Four quarters is all Bradford’s senior football players have left of their high school football careers.

The Owls will travel to Duke Center on Friday to battle Otto-Eldred in what will be the final high school football game for Bradford’s Austen Davis, Jake Pattison, Alex Liners, Kyle McWilliams, Ryan Hughes and Gavin Piscitelli.

Just a few months ago, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic put fall sports in the area in jeopardy, but after schools were given the green light and the four-county bubble was created, the seniors were able to have the opportunity to play their final football season.

“I was happy because no one knew at the time and looking back at it, it was a scary situation. Not being able to have a senior year would be tough,” McWilliams said. “I’m just happy that we were able to actually come out and play because I truly didn’t think we were going to have a season to begin.”

The uncertainty and circumstances led to a bigger emphasis of the seniors enjoying every minute they got to practice and play.

With games/seasons being postponed or canceled due to COVID-19 outbreaks or exposures, there was no telling when exactly seniors would go through their final practice and/or play in their final high school game.

“We really didn’t think about that much. We came to our clinics every week, we just treated it as if it was our last clinic because you never knew with everything that was going on,” Piscitelli said. “You just want to come up here and have as much fun, but also keep that focus for the game on Friday.”

Bradford head coach Jeff Puglio said seniors having the opportunity to play their final season means everything with all of the work they’ve put in during the offseason and throughout the season, especially with the Owls changing schemes.

“When we made the change with the system, they bought in immediately, did the zooms, did everything they were supposed to do,” Puglio said. “I’m really happy for them (that) they got to play. At the end of the day we played. Administrators made it happen and we’re very thankful for that.”

When talking about each of the six seniors, Puglio said Davis’ hard work and dedication at quarterback both on and off the field was a valuable asset for the program.

Davis took over the starting position this year in the team’s new Air Raid offense. Through six games, he’s passed for 568 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. He also rushed for 122 yards on the ground and two scores.

“Austen showed his work ethic and what it takes, especially at the quarterback position,” Puglio said. “It takes more than just coming to practice.”

Four of the five starting offensive linemen for Bradford are seniors and Puglio said Liners, Hughes and McWilliams were instrumental to the team’s workouts in the weight room, which helped them on the field.

“You look at Liners, (Hughes), McWilliams, they’re weight room guys,” Puglio said. “They showed the way with the workouts they did and how much time they put into the weight room… and it shows in their body type, how they changed with the work they got in down there. So it was really impressive and they kind of led the charge with that.”

The team’s other senior lineman, Piscitelli, has only been playing football for two years, according to Puglio, and has shaped into one of the team’s top linemen.

Piscitelli has also contributed to the Owls’ special teams at punter.

“This is only his second year ever of football and how much time he put into it and the growth he’s made, he’s become one of our better linemen,” Puglio said. “He’s mixing in on the defensive side, too and what he’s been doing for us on special teams this year, he turned into a really really good punter.”

The offensive line, joined by sophomore starting center Alex Gangloff, have also developed a close bond as a group both on and off the gridiron.

Gangoff said the four seniors on the offensive line have also helped him in his development as a first-year starter this season.

“We’re already all pushing each other,” Gangoff said. “If I make a mistake, they let me know, they make some mistakes, sometimes I let them know. It’s like a two-way street. You’re helping each other here, but it’s been a big learning key.”

Lastly, wide receiver Jake Pattison’s constant motor is something that has stood out to Puglio.

Pattison, who has 12 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns this year, suffered an injury last season, but Puglio said he showed the younger players to not give up and/or walk away.

“He was at every practice, every game even when he couldn’t play, so it meant a lot to him and I think it meant a lot to him to get the fall season in this year because he did his time waiting and when he got his opportunity last year, one game and he goes out for the year,” Puglio said. “So it’s special to see him get that full season in and watch how much he grew throughout the season.”

The Owls (0-6) enter Friday still seeking their first win of the season and the seniors will look to go out on a high note by celebrating a victory.

Although, this season hasn’t gone the way Bradford and its seniors have wanted, the players, especially the seniors, are thankful there was even a season to play through.

“Even though it’s not going the way we want it, us seniors, we want to pave the path for the grades below us,” Piscitelli said. “I’m looking forward to having one more game with my boys on the line, especially with Liners, (Hughes) and Kyle.”