The Terre Haute North Patriots defeated the SHS Cardinals 28 to 21 at Cardinal Stadium on Oct.1. 

It was the closest game of the season for the Cards, who were only trailing by seven points at end the game. It was also the senior night for the Marching Cards and the homecoming king and queen, seniors Trevor Chambers and Aryssa Ramos, were announced.

The key to the game was the mentality of the players. With losing every game so far in the season, the Cards have been beaten down. They go to practice every day to get better and work as a team.

“I’m just proud of our guys. It would be really easy to be sitting at 0-6 and start blaming a bunch of things,” head football coach Alex Bettag said. “These guys aren’t doing that. They love each other. They show up to work every day. I couldn’t be more proud of their fight tonight.” 

The Cards had several moments of hope to pull out a win. An interception from the Cards defense set the crowd ablaze with aspiration for a touchdown. Then, after recovering an onside kick, the Cards set themselves up for a touchdown. 

Mental parts of the game can also affect players negatively. Not being able to get past the idea that a loss is coming, or getting the mentality that the game will be easy, can all have negative effects.

“We just are beating ourselves mentally, and it’s a block we need to get over,” senior Trevor Chambers said.