The Whitehall football team's excursion to the Sunshine State forged a radiant experience that will stay with the players and coaches for a lifetime.

While they lost the scrimmage 30-19 to Haines City High School, the breadth of the experience is what will resonate, from the ride on the airplane, to walking the grounds at the University of South Florida, to their visit to Busch Gardens, the entire trip served as a great bonding exercise.

"Everything was great," said head coach Brian Gilbert who organized the trip. "It was just a great experience for these guys."

He said that every aspect of the trip was formative, whether it was waiting in the airport to board their flight, or browsing the bookstore on the USF campus, the time spent together as a team was really rewarding.

"It was great bonding time," said Gilbert.

Gilbert said that 58 players made the trip. Once they arrived in Florida they settled into a beautiful hotel. The following day they went to USF where they strolled their practice fields, met with their strength coach, and then boarded a bus to scrimmage the Hornets at Haines City.

Whitehall began the game on a good note. On their second possession, they marched 34 yards for a score. The seven-play drive was capped by a Saquon Barkley one-yard run.

The Zephs built on that lead when quarterback Gianni Sinatore hit Conor Sullivan for a 9-yard score, putting them up 13-0.

Gilbert said that he was extremely pleased with how well the varsity played. They were able to move the ball on Haines City's first-team defense, a squad that featured Florida-State University-bound defensive back Derwin James.

Gilbert was also pleased with how the defense performed, limiting the Hornets to just one first down the entire first half.

"We really played well on defense," said Gilbert. "It was a good showing against their first unit."

The Hornets scored twice in the third quarter, taking a 14-13 lead. Haines City tacked on two more touchdowns as running back Stefano Saraguso closed out the scoring in the final period, finding the end zone twice, once on a 25-yard scamper, the other on a 20-yard score.

Gilbert said that the varsity played the first half, followed by the second team in the third quarter, eventually giving way to the junior varsity who took the field in the fourth quarter.

That approach differed from the Hornets philosophy who kept their starters in the game through until the fourth quarter, according to Gilbert.

In addition to their first half TDs, the Zephs also scored on a 25-yard run by quarterback Zachary Gilbert early in the fourth quarter.

Gilbert said that their goal was to get everyone involved in the game, adding to the richness of the experience. They were able to accomplish that goal, making sure everyone got an opportunity to play.

With a full day behind them, Gilbert said the team celebrated together.

"After the game, we had a big pizza party," said Gilbert. "That was fun."

Gilbert said that he would like to make a similar trip every four years, allowing players to have that experience at least once during their varsity career.