November 6, 2009

By Robert Przybylo

The Oklahoman

EDMOND — A season of "what could have been” concluded for Edmond Santa Fe on Thursday night in the best way possible for the seniors.

A couple of breaks here or there, and it’s possible the Wolves could have been fighting for a playoff spot this week. Even though they weren’t and had every reason to pack it in and call it a day, Bruce Gowen’s club never did.

Sparked by one final great outing by running back Brian Mills, the heart and soul of the team, the Wolves beat Moore 34-14 at UCO’s Wantland Stadium to finish 3-7 overall and 2-5 in District 6A-1. Santa Fe ends on a two-game winning streak.

"I’m trying not to think about it right now,” Mills said about the emotion. "This is my last game with my brothers. We’ve been through so much.”

The turning point for Mills happened early. In Week 2, teammate Damon Johnson tore his ACL in loss to Edmond Memorial in the first half. From the second half of that game to the final half Thursday, Mills was a different player.

Mills had two touchdowns and 137 yards on 16 carries Thursday and finishes the year with more than 1,000 yards and nine rushing scores.

Mills said he had to play harder because he was playing for two people the rest of the season. The team followed his lead.

In district play, Santa Fe’s close calls included a loss in overtime at Mustang, a one-point setback to Del City and a three-point defeat to Putnam City North.

"It was a wild, up-and-down year for us,” senior wide receiver Matt Leavell said. "The last two games were great. We knew how good we were, and it felt great to be able to put it together.”

Senior quarterback Will Long, who probably went through the most ups and downs of anyone, closed it out in style. Long was 9-of-13 for 119 yards and two touchdowns, a week removed from a two-touchdown performance in a win at Norman North.

"It was definitely tough at times, but we pulled each other through everything,” Long said.

Moore (0-10, 0-7) scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter as quarterback Vova Razryvin threw for one and ran for another.