PHOTOS/RECAP: Legacy falls to Santa Fe Catholic 20-14 in SSAC playoffs

A stellar season came to a heartbreaking end for the Legacy Eagles as they lost to the Santa Fe Catholic Hawks 20-14 in the first round of the SSAC playoffs Friday, Oct. 25. 

The meeting was the second of the season — Legacy won the first game 32-29. 

“They were a tough opponent,” said Legacy head coach Trent Hopper. “The last time we won the game by three points — they gave us everything we can handle. We played them close this time as well. Just hats off to them — it’s really hard to beat a good team twice in a year.”

Down 20-7 early in the 4th quarter, Jacob Worley connected with Eli Post for a long touchdown on fourth down, trimming the Hawks lead to 20-14 with 10:27 left in the game.

On the following drive, Santa Fe Catholic (4-5), drove all the way inside Legacy’s 10-yard line, but the Eagles were able to force a fumble and Steven Jackson was able to recover it with 7:11 left in the fourth quarter.

Legacy (7-2) would drive into Santa Fe Catholic territory, but consequently turned the ball over on downs with 2:54 remaining in the game. The Hawks got two first downs on the ensuing drive to run out the clock. 

“We had some self inflicted wounds,” Hopper said. “We made some mistakes that cost us, but that’s the game — that’s football. A lot of times it’s make the least amount of mistakes.”

All is not lost for the Eagles, though, as they had a stellar regular season with seven wins. Legacy will be replacing nine seniors going into next season.

“All you can really ask is they give everything they got and they definitely did that,” Hopper said. “They played hard, they played tough, they played physical. Santa Fe won’t forget the fight they had on their hands this game and I’m proud of that. 

“I’m proud of our seniors, I’m proud of the leadership they showed,” he said. “It’s just a disappointing night on a good year.”