Whitman Fights to the Finish in Playoff Bid

The Walt Whitman Wildcats (often referred to as the Whitman Cougars in some sources) competed in Suffolk Division I and finished the 2024 season with a 4-5 overall record, narrowly missing the playoffs in a highly competitive field.

Regular Season Highlights

• Strong Start: Whitman opened the season with a 22-7 win over Bay Shore and followed it with a convincing 47-14 victory against Central Islip57.
• Competitive Battles: The Wildcats played several close games, including a narrow 27-28 loss to Connetquot and a hard-fought 14-28 defeat to Ward Melville35.
• Signature Win: Whitman defeated Sachem North 14-7 on October 10, showcasing defensive grit and timely offense37.
• Tough Stretch: The team faced a challenging midseason schedule, including losses to Longwood (15-38), William Floyd (3-34), and a one-point loss to Connetquot (27-28)357.

Playoff Performance

• Playoff Appearance: Whitman qualified for the postseason and faced Longwood in the first round, falling 10-31 to end their season35.
• Late Surge: The Wildcats closed the regular season with a dominant 49-7 win over Riverhead, securing their playoff spot35.

Key Players and Notes

• Offense: The Wildcats’ offense was led by a balanced attack, with multiple games scoring 20+ points and a season-high 49 against Riverhead35.
• Defense: The defense posted a shutout against Bay Shore and limited Central Islip to just two scores357.
• Team Leadership: Senior leadership and emerging underclassmen contributed to a resilient and competitive squad.

Season Summary

Walt Whitman’s 2024 season was defined by close games, strong defensive efforts, and a balanced offense. Despite a tough schedule and several narrow losses, the Wildcats earned a playoff berth and demonstrated growth and resilience throughout the year. Their 4-5 record reflects a team that was competitive in nearly every contest and poised to build on its foundation for 2025.

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