They may not be the biggest, strongest or most experienced team. But they could be the smartest and loosest bunch around.
“We’re a young team. Only nine seniors. So, it’s a really tough squad. I think the kids come to work every day. (A) group that has a lot of fun playing,” said Archbishop Spalding head coach Kyle Schmitt. “I think our kids play with great joy for the game and that’s really what we want.”
No one has more fun than Spalding’s senior quarterback Evan Fochtman, who is regarded as one of the top players in the region and is quick to compliment his teammates for his squad’s success.
“Our offense is doing really well but I’d say our defense sets the tone,” said Fochtman. “We have tough guys up front on both sides.”
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The Cavaliers’ only blemish on the season is a six-point loss to Good Counsel back in week two. The team didn’t know it then but that game could have been a blessing in disguise for the Cavs.
“Definitely,” said Schmitt. “We kind of have a theory, as I told our kids, you don’t lose. You just learn. That’s something that we did from that game.”
“It kind of humbled us a little bit. We realized we need to put in a lot of work,” said Fochtman. “From there we really matured as a team, got better every week and stuck to our game plan.”
“Now we know that we can play with anyone and we have the guys to really beat anyone,” said linebacker/fullback Nick Vermillion.
The 7-1 Cavaliers are ranked 5th in the latest State Poll. Tonight they get No. 4, 8-1 St. Frances in a huge matchup. Both teams are undefeated in league.
“It’s probably our biggest challenge up until this week,” said Vermillion. “They’re tough.”
“I feel like we’re ready to be them this week. They’re definitely a good team and a great challenge for us,” said Fochtman.
Kickoff Friday in Baltimore is set for 7 p.m.
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