On Nov. 3, students and families alike gathered at Ida B. Wells in the cold, rainy weather to watch a Friday night football game. Ida B. Wells, ranked at #8 by OSAA, played Nelson, ranked at #9 by OSAA, in the first round of the state playoffs. Ultimately, IBW faced a hard loss against Nelson, with the final score being 48-8. 
Despite the harsh loss, the team’s season leading up to playoffs has been nothing short of stellar. IBW went undefeated during league play and on Oct. 20, 2023, IBW became the PIL champions after defeating Roosevelt. A game in which they had an undeniable win — only allowing the opposing team 15 yards of offense and a final score of 38-6.
As the IBW team ran onto the field, led by two players carrying IBW flags, they were met with cheers from the home stands, along with hype music playing from the speakers. Anticipation filled the air as the two teams warmed up for the first-round playoff game.
To start the game, Nelson received the kickoff and scored quickly, making the score 7-0. Within the next couple of minutes Nelson scored again, after stopping IBW attempts. At the end of the first quarter the score was 14-0, with Nelson being the dominant team and only allowing IBW a few first downs.
The second quarter was similar to the first, with Nelson scoring a touchdown to start it off. IBW was having trouble against Nelson’s defense, struggling with recovering the ball after a fumble and an incomplete pass that was knocked down by a Nelson player. Late in the second quarter, Nelson scored again making the score at half 28-0.
To begin the third quarter, possession went back and forth between the two teams, but Nelson scored another touchdown six minutes in, making the score 35-0. However, late into the third quarter, senior Griffin Scott caught a deep throw from junior Spencer Reid, to score IBW’s lone touchdown of the night. IBW then scored the two-point conversion, making the score 35-8 in the third quarter.
Yet, the touchdown by IBW did not shake Nelson, and they went on to score two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The game ended with a score of 48-8, Nelson.
While the game was not in IBW’s favor, the IBW football program has been on the rise, and their season reflects this. Head coach Keith Bennett has turned the program around since becoming its leader five seasons ago. Last season, IBW made the state playoffs for the first time since 2015 and had a winning record with Bennett.
Ida B. Wells had an even better season this fall, going undefeated during league play and making the playoffs again, showing that this program shows no signs of slowing down.
