Adversity creates opportunity, the motto of Park football team, rang true Oct. 15 after Park scored 16 points in the last minute of the game to beat Waconia 29-28.

According to head coach Jason Foster, the team never stopped working despite being down by as many as 21 points during certain times in the game.

“Believing and not ever giving up no matter what the score was. They just thought about the next play and thats our mentality this year for our team.” Foster said.

The game was highlighted by junior Stefano Giovannelli’s 37 yard touchdown with 4 seconds left to put the team in position to win the game. Giovannelli said the win is reflective of the team’s passion for the game.

“This year showing that we actually have something here, we have something to fight for. So it’s just amazing.” Giovannelli said. “That is the most fun I’ve ever had in any sport.”

For Senior Christian Arteaga, the game served as a lesson to take advantage of second chances. Arteaga had dropped a pass earlier in the game but was able to redeem himself and make a leaping grab for a crucial two point conversion late in the game. 

“A big thing for me tonight was keeping my head up and after I dropped the ball, then I went in and I made a two point conversion.” Arteaga said.

If the win itself wasn’t exuberant enough, it was made all the more special by the families of seniors in the stands who came to celebrate Senior night, according to Arteaga.

“It was special. There’s no other way to put it, I mean to see that family out on the field.” Arteaga said. “It was a really special night.”

Park will play its final game of the regular season against Chaska at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Chaska High School.