It seems like there is uncertainty about how high school football teams will handle consolation games each year.
In 's case, there was question on how the Braves would respond to playing in last Friday's game against Cherokee, but despite losing, there was plenty to feel good about.
"I'm proud of the way they played," Absegami coach Dennis Scuderi Jr. said.
Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Absegami was coming off a loss to Hammonton that ended its playoff chances. Scuderi and some of the players were upset with the effort, especially with so much at stake.
However, the Braves responded with a solid week of practice, according to Scuderi and players. Absegami (4-5) ultimately lost 34-20 to Cherokee (6-3) on Nov. 11, but the Braves were very much in the game.
Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The truth is that this Absegami squad is different than the one that started the season.
The Braves have had to play most of the last four games without quarterback Rashad Kinlaw, arguably the team's best player, and a NCAA Division I prospect. Absegami is missing a few other players, including Kevin Duncan, a key starter on defense.
Despite the adversity, the Braves came to play in three of the past four games.
"I think we are back in good shape," said running back Tyler Bing, who scored on an 86-yard run against the Chiefs.
Bing and teammate David Hood rushed for more than 150 yards apiece, and reserve quarterback Mike Dolan, a sophomore, scored a touchdown for the Braves against Cherokee.
"I think we did a nice job on offense from the first possession of the game," Scuderi Jr. said. "We played a much better game offensively."
Absegami made some mistakes in that game that eventually led to the loss. Absegami led 13-7 late in the first half, but a turnover gave Cherokee a chance to tie the game before halftime. The Chiefs did just that.
Cherokee then scored two more unanswered touchdowns in the second half to take control of the game.
"I'm not happy with the way we came out in the second half. It wasn't good," Bing said. "I think we should have been two touchdowns ahead of them."
Mistakes can be corrected. The most important thing for the Braves is that they are still in it mentally and willing to give maximum effort.
With the rivalry game against Oakcrest coming up on Thanksgiving, and the fact the most of the roster will return next season, that is more than a consolation.
