OXFORD – For the Oxford Blackhawk football team in 2017 it isn’t all about records and wins, it is about a journey they began long ago, the journey of holding pride in their community when they represent their school each weekend.

For nine of the 24 student-athletes on the Oxford football team, those weekends are running out fast.

“It started off pretty emotional for the guys. A lot of these guys have been playing straight from youth all the way up and the idea that that could be the last time they play on Tony Abbott Field. It was pretty emotional for them,” said Oxford head coach Jon Carey. “Not a single person has quit, not a single person has given up. We had 24 at the beginning of the season and we’re still sitting at 24. I think that goes to show not only the character of the guys but how serious they take playing for the Oxford Blackhawks.”

This past weekend on Friday, September 29, division opponent and currently number two ranked in Class D for New York State, the Sidney Warriors came strolling into Oxford for a 44-8 beat down.

A 44-8 loss on senior night – or any night – can be heartbreaking, especially for a team struggling to find their first win on the season. However, coach Carey said nothing of fights or squabbles or players giving up.