Despite their overtime playoff loss to Palatine on Nov. 5, the varsity football team has plenty of accomplishments to look back on following a strong season.

One of the most notable feats was knocking off football powerhouse Glenbard West, who had not lost a conference game since 2010.

“That was such a big win for us,” starting quarterback Ben Bryant ’18 said. “We did something that no one thought could be done, and it was a really big statement for us in our conference as well as the state.”

The Lions finished the year with a regular season record of 7-2. Their two losses came against Hinsdale Central and Oak Park River Forest, who had regular season records of 9-0 and 7-2 respectively.

“Playing extremely competitive teams during the regular season helps you prepare to play and compete in the playoffs,” starting linebacker Jack Walton ’17 said. “They are games that truly bring out the best of you as a player and a team.”

Before losing the close game to the undefeated Palatine Pirates, LT had to get past an 8-1 Naperville North team on the road in the first round of the 8A IHSA playoffs. They snatched a 25-23 win on a game-winning field goal, capturing their first playoff win since 2012, head coach Kurt Weinberg said.

“Beating Naperville North was something we are very proud of,” Weinberg said. “It would have been nice to finish the game against Palatine and keep playing, but it was good to get out of the first round.”

Next season, the Lions will be without a very talented group of seniors, Weinberg said. Among those seniors include Walton, wide receiver and defensive back Hasahn Austin ’17 and running back Reggie Terrell ’17.

“Playing football at LT was an experience I’ll never forget,” Walton said. “To see myself and my teammates grow as players and experience success was awesome.”

Despite the loss of several valuable seniors, the future is bright for LT football. Many starters on both sides of the ball will be returning, including Bryant, who is expected to start at quarterback at the varsity level for the third straight year.

“We have very high expectations next year,” Bryant said. “We expect to win state and we have all the talent and coaching needed to get there.”