PHOTOS: Windermere Prep’s winning season came to a close

It was a tale of self-made errors for Windermere Preparatory school which handed them their first loss this season. 

“All the bad that took place today (like) the turnovers and everything that happened the game was still in reach….We can’t just sit here and sulk about it,” said head coach James Hamilton. “It’s done. It’s over with. The sun will rise tomorrow.” 

The Lakers (3-1) lost 21-10 to Bishop McLaughlin Catholic (3-3). After trailing 14-3 at halftime, Windermere Prep fought back in the second half, which is what Hamilton has been emphasizing this season, “start fast and finish strong.” 

Senior Peyton Hollern ran in the Lakers’ first and only touchdown of the game to cut it within four. Despite the team’s efforts, turnovers continued to present themselves and an interception allowed Bishop McLaughlin Catholic to bring in another touchdown. 

TEACHING MOMENT 

Losing can’t always be looked at as a negative, even the toughest fighters lose matches but what makes the difference is what they do after. 

“As a coach, I have to be able to put our guys in different positions to be successful,” Hamilton said. “So just like a win, you can learn a lot more from a loss.” 

His team had mistakes but they stayed within reach of their opponents and the game never became a blowout. It’s a lesson for the players and coaches, and Hamilton believed emphasized the importance of starting out fast, especially against good opponents. 

The Lakers’ now learned the importance of limiting the penalties and controlling what they’re able to control. 

“We have a good opponent next week,” Hamilton said. “We can’t think about it. Weep in this moment right here but we got to get prepared for it.” 

He’s emphasized that throughout the whole season. The team takes Friday’s to process what happened in that day’s game, but the next day, the cycle restarts. 

Each week Windermere Prep heads into their Friday game with a clear mind and a goal of becoming 1-0 because each game and opponent is unique and requires its own game plan.