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Southampton Academy’s varsity football team fell to 4-4 overall this season after a narrow home loss Thursday night, Oct. 19, but with a victory this week, the Raiders can secure a playoff berth in the Virginia Eight-Man Football League in which they play.

The Raiders hosted Broadwater Academy on Oct. 19 and ultimately lost 14-12.

Southampton Head Coach Cole Heiderich said, “I thought the team put forth great effort from start to finish against a veteran squad from Broadwater — it just wasn’t enough to get the win, unfortunately.”

He noted that the Raiders defense played incredibly well the whole night with the exception of two long runs for touchdowns.

“Those runs, coupled with some offensive drives that stalled out in the second half, made all the difference,” he said.

The coach reiterated the quality of effort his players put forth, stating that “all the guys played their guts out.” 

Standouts included sophomore running back/cornerback Ethan Webb, who finished with 253 all-purpose yards, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Sophomore defensive end Ashton Whitehead recorded nine tackles, and Heiderich also singled out senior Sam Sawyer, “who has been incredible in terms of his versatility at different positions.”

Southampton (4-4) concludes its regular-season schedule Friday, Oct. 27, when it hosts Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School (4-3) at 7 p.m.

“Concerning playoffs, the outcome of our game Friday against Blessed Sacrament will determine a playoff berth,” Heiderich said. “Win, we’re in. Lose, we’re out.”