Triway’s historic playoff run ends one point short, but senior legacy leaves a lasting mark

The Triway football team didn't envision its season ending the way it did Friday, Nov. 14. In a tough 34-33 setback to visiting Genoa Area, the Titans went for it all after scoring in overtime with a two-point conversion attempt that ultimately fell short.

Even in defeat, there was no question of the pride that exuded from the parents, school and those milling around afterward on Jack Miller Field. Even from within, it was evident the players had a moment to reflect on making it as far as any Triway football team had in program history.

“Every year we’ve gotten one place further,” Triway coach Cody Kelly said. “I told them that we will get back to this point. We will get further than this point, but it starts with our seniors. They led us here. It's the reason we are here, and we made it this far because of them. It’s going to be a tall task for the underclassmen to uphold the standard that they’ve set to keep coming back here. We fully expect to be back here as many times as possible.”

As for the decision not to go for the extra point and force a second overtime.

“We got the last one blocked, and we had some issues with that,” Kelly said. “Also, we’ve always been of an aggressive mindset, that we want to go for the win. I don’t second-guess going for it. I mean I could second-guess the play call all day long. At the end of the day, we felt that we had it.”

When the whistle blew for the final time, the emotions were evident in the players' reactions, which said more than words could. Standout senior defensive and offensive lineman Roman Gilbert felt it deeply afterward.

“This team, it means everything to me,” he said. “These are my brothers, and I love them all. I just wish for one more game. That would be nice.”

Reflecting, Gilbert couldn’t help but think of a person who has a major impact on him.

“Coach Kelly came in my sophomore year and completely rebuilt me as a player and man,” he said. “I know others can say that on the team as well. He’s done crazy, crazy things here that benefited everyone and the community, and to just be a part of all of it, that means the world. I’ve loved every minute of it and will definitely miss it.”

It’s a senior group junior standout Bruin Flinner had plenty of words to say about.

“This class is one of the best that we’ve had in a while,” Flinner said. “It’s just a bunch of great dudes and great athletes. They were sophomores when coach Kelly took over, and they’ve really built this program up a lot. They have a bunch of great dudes, and we are really going to miss them next year.”

When asked to speak about some of the leaders such as Luke Starr and Gilbert, Flinner smiled.

“Luke (Starr) is a great dude, truly a role model for us younger kids," Flinner said. "He does all the right things and is a great leader. Roman, he’s a little bit of a funny guy, but on the football field, he can be scary.”

It’s a group Kelly felt close to his heart.

“They took us further than we’ve ever been,” he said. “I am so proud of them. I know the community, the school and the program too are proud of them. For what they’ve done for myself and the program, I can’t ever thank them enough. I feel terrible that this is how they have to go out on their home field. In a game that we felt that we had the upper hand, just sometimes it happens like that.”

It was a fun ride, a season filled with memories that ended with the second-best record in school history. Still, it’s the taste at the end that has Flinner and his teammates already champing at the bit and ready for next year.

“It was a fun season, and we made a bunch of memories,” Flinner said. “Tonight put a bad taste in our mouth. Coach Kelly knows that as soon as we can, we are going to hit the weight room. We’re going to get right to lifting and doing everything we can to not let this happen next year.”