The Decatur Gators’ undefeated winning streak finally met an end against the Mount Tahoma Thunderbirds – losing with a score of 23-21 in the first round of the State Tournament. The Gators maintained a 10-0 record until now for the 2024-25 season, making it to the State Tournament for the first time in Gator history.
Decatur may be known for their losses in sports in the past, but in a new act, the team has taken their reputation up to the max starting last football season (in the year 2023-2024), marking that season as Decatur’s first time making it to playoffs since 2003.
As of late, with a focus on practicing hard to make sure they make it all the way, the Gators have been ripping through teams making their way to their previously undefeated season. Unfortunately, on Nov. 15, Decatur’s season would end, falling 23-21 in the first round of the State Tournament.
The Gators’ offensive started off slowly, only attaining one one possession in the first quarter – which was a three and out. They would go into the half down 16-0.
Decatur’s defense would give them a chance in the second half, holding Mount Tahoma to only one touchdown. But although the Gators outscored the T-Birds 21-7 in the final half, Mount Tahoma’s lead was too great to come back from, ending Decatur’s perfect season with a tough 23-21 loss.
“This group is amazing. We fell short today, but that doesn’t take away the skill and the talent that this group has,” said senior Nehemiah Washington.
This all comes with the power and grit from this outstanding team coming out and showing out their years of practice and dedication from the team. Under the direction of Head Coach Matt Vaeena, the team made it to playoffs last year and continued strong through this year’s season as well.
Vaeena said of the season, “Our young guys stepped up, our leaders, our seniors, we all stepped up and made plays and did what we had to do to get it done…Nothing comes free and a lot of them have big goals, which we encourage and call irrational confidence. And if that’s what you want, your actions have to match that.”
From this Football team are a senior class Niko Leoso, Taeron Clay, Nehemiah Wahington, Maddox Heyliger, and Ben Ferell which have put in hours of hard work and picked up the program that had been out of commission for years.
As disappointment at the abrupt ending to the season sets in, and then fades, there will be a looking towards the future, as the potential for this team is greater than it’s been in ages.