Disappointment

That about sums up this afternoon's tough 16-15 loss to Hamilton Wenham that ends the Pioneers title and post season chase and gives the CAL Small Title to the Generals.

The Pioneers played hard, coming back to take the lead and appeared about to throw the title race into the maelstrom of tiebreakers. But it wasn't to be.

Sometimes, however, you just have to credit the other team. As tough as that may be, I think that is the case here.

The Generals needed to march the length of the field with just over three minutes to play trailing 15-13.It would have been easy for them to pack it in.

They certainly didn't.

They moved to the Lynnfield seven and co-captain James Brao drilled a 25 yard field goal with 18 clicks left on the clock to send the home team fans into delirium by earning their first football post season berth ever.

It was bitter pill for the Pioneers to swallow. But they played hard against a quality opponent and at the very end, that opponent proved to be one point better. Sometimes that's the way it works out.

We've been treated to two exciting CAL Small title races in a row. Last year, the Pioneers came out on top. This year, they just fell short. No crime in that. We were fortunate to have them in the hunt for the second season in a row.

It is disappointing right now, but with the passage of time, the 2010 Pioneers will still be remembered as one of the most exciting and successful teams in Lynnfield football history.

However, the season is not over yet. A big game with North Reading remains on Thanksgiving Day. There won't be any title or postseason plans on the line. It'll just be for the pride of trying to beat a long time traditional rival and the excitement that this will bring to Pioneer Field on the holiday morning.

For this season, that will have to be enough and I'm sure the Pioneers and their fans will make the most of it.

For my complete H-W game story and photos, pick up the Villager on Wednesday. Check back Sunday night for my Leftovers post for more on the Hamilton Wenham game.