Waterloo football player Spencer Woodall holds the jersey of his late older brother, David, as he prepares to lead the Bulldogs onto the field Friday night at Mater Dei. (submitted photo)

The Waterloo High School football team fought until the end, but ultimately fell in an emotional regular season finale at Mater Dei on Friday night, 27-21. At 5-4 with a high number of playoff points, the Bulldogs still advanced to the playoffs.

Carrying the No. 73 jersey of his older brother, Spencer Woodall led the Bulldogs onto the field with a heavy heart following the death of senior defensive leader David Woodall on Wednesday. Spencer placed his brother’s jersey on the team’s bench before the entire crowd observed a moment of silence.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Mater Dei scored early in the second quarter to go up 6-0. Waterloo’s Kory Johnson blocked the extra-point attempt.

On a fourth down with three yards to go, senior running back Scott Nanney scored on a 24-yard run to give the ‘Dogs a 7-6 lead. Nanney flashed his speed again a short time later, scoring on a 61-yard run to make it a 14-6 game.

The Knights, who needed a win to make the playoffs, tied it soon after, but Waterloo quarterback Ross Schrader connected with Austin Patton multiple times on a drive that resulted in a 20-yard TD catch by Patton and a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.

Mater Dei came out of the locker room motivated to reach the postseason. The Knights scored on their first two possessions of the second half to go up 27-21.

Waterloo put together a couple of strong drives in an attempt to tie the game or take the lead, but just couldn’t break through. Mater Dei forced a fumble on Waterloo’s most promising scoring attempt.

The visitation for David Woodall took place Saturday at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, with a memorial service afterward.

Waterloo will play at Highland to open the Class 5A playoffs Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. The Mississippi Valley Conference rivals met on Sept. 23 in Waterloo, with Highland winning 14-3. Highland played that game without starting quarterback Garrett Marti, who was injured.