Whitman Beat by Brentwood on Opening Day

The Walt Whitman Wildcats (0-1) opened the season with a tough 21-6 loss to the Brentwood Indians (1-0) on Saturday afternoon.

The game began at 2 p.m., at the Frank A. Mauro Stadium in Brentwood, after a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Whitman won the toss, but deferred to their opponents.

After choosing to receive for the opening kickoff, the Indians moved the ball well, conducting a drive from their own 30-yard line to the Wildcats' 40 before relinquishing possession on an incomplete pass into coverage on fourth and 16 set up by two big defensive plays: a tackle from behind by senior defensive end, Patrick White, holding Brentwood's quarterback, Jordon Williams to a one-yard gain, followed by a sack for a loss of seven by senior defensive end, Kevin Teresky.

The Wildcats took over and threatened to score.

On third and 15, quarterback Kenny Phillips hit fellow junior Xavier Livingston down the sideline for 25 yards, propelling them into the Indians' territory. They continued to move forward, all the way to the 21, but fumbled on the first play in the second quarter and Brentwood ran the ball all the way back to the Wildcats' 34. It cost them six points, in the form of a 34-yard touchdown pass to the left corner of the end zone. The extra point was no good.

The Wildcats were unable to punch back, and went three and out on their next possession, having to punt from their own 16.

The Indians increased their lead to 14-0 with another touchdown and two-point conversion on seven plays and a crucial pass interference call.

Whitman fought hard to get some points before half time.

On the first defensive play, after a promising drive ended with a deflating turn over on downs, senior cornerback, Kevon Johnson intercepted a pass from Williams.

From the Indians' 45, Phillips led a drive that ended with a touchdown pass on a fade route to junior receiver Timothy Laster from the 17-yard line on fourth and 15. However, it was called back because of a penalty for "too many men in the back field," and Whitman headed to the locker room with a goose egg.

During the third quarter, it looked like the Wildcats might turn it around. Livingston ran back a punt to red zone to set his team up with first and goal for their second possession. Junior running back Darrell Felder pounded it in for the touchdown.

Sadly though, it would be their last. And the final score would be 21-6.

Afterward, Whitman first year head coach Robin Rosa reflected on the disappointing outing. "Defensively, we've just got to make more stops," Rosa said. "We gave them long drives and in turn we didn't get enough touches."

Rosa noted that the team is young and that the coaching staff cannot let the loss defeat the players.

"We're playing Thursday against Ward Melville," Rosa added, "so it's quick turn around."