Whiteland football coach Darrin Fisher admits he didn’t exactly know which way the Warriors would go after losing to Martinsville 34-0 on Oct. 9.

“We had to make a decision if we were going to pack it in or fight,‘’ he said. "The (last three games we played), I think we got our answer. I think our kids worked hard and concentrated.’’

Whiteland bounced back to beat Decatur Central 22-18 and then pounded Martinsville 58-33 in a rematch in Class 5A Sectional 7 play before losing at Bloomington North 49-42 in a sectional semifinal game last Friday.

The Warriors (5-6) had their first losing season since 2005, and it marked the first time they had not advanced to a sectional game in Fisher’s five years at the school.

Considering Whiteland played its first season in 5A after massive graduation losses, the coach is far from disappointed.

“You could see our kids growing in the system we play,’’ he said. "You could see them gaining some poise and experience. We went from a very inexperienced team, and you could see them grow.

“The process took a little longer than we would have liked because of flu and injuries, but in the end I think we progressed the way we hoped.’’

Whiteland expects to return 14 starters, including eight on offense, and has the makings of a dynamic backfield with quarterback Tommy Riegel and running backs Cody Phillips and Drew Smyth.

The Warriors experienced some disappointment in how the season ended. Whiteland led most of the way, but a blocked punt and a lost fumble in the fourth quarter aided North’s comeback.

“We counted on being able to score with them,‘’ Fisher said, "but that blocked punt and fumble happened to be at the end of the game when we knew the situation was that whoever had the ball last was probably going to win.’’

Greenwood

Greenwood (3-8) saw its season end with a 14-0 loss to East Central in a 4A Sectional 15 game Friday.

Coach Mike Campbell felt pleased with the Woodmen’s effort but hoped for a much better record.

“This was a year where a lot of teams in our conference (the Mid-State) were up,‘’ Campbell said. "That hurt us a lot. We play a tough schedule, but it also got us ready for the playoffs. It’s kind of a double-edged sword.’’

Two of Greenwood’s victories came against lowly Franklin. The Woodmen also beat Guerin Catholic, a 1A school that has advanced to a sectional final.

The Woodmen have not had a winning season since going 11-2 in 2005, but Campbell pointed to a talented freshman class as a reason for optimism. Many of those players will be counted next season as sophomores. Leading rusher R.J. Majors also returns.

“They’re a tremendous group of athletes and kids,‘’ Campbell said of the freshmen. "I’m really excited about blending them in with the upperclassmen next year.

“I think we’ll have the ability to play with everyone on our schedule. We did that in spurts this year.’’