Going into Friday night’s matchup against Joliet Catholic Academy, the RedHawks are hungry for their first win. Coming off of a 9-2 season last year, the RedHawks varsity football team has had a rocky start at 0-3. The RedHawks have had two close games, both against top-10 teams, and have been riddled with injuries, and a handful of new starters.
Last year, Mike Fitzgerald, former York Dukes head coach and previously Marist assistant coach, took the lead coaching position with the goal of reshaping the program.
Fitzgerald admits the season has been challenging so far.
“I think the biggest thing is that we got to stay positive,” said Fitzgerald. “We’re really good on offense, and you know obviously Brother Rice is going to be a contender in 7A, and I think St. Rita is gonna do a lot of damage as well. I think we got to just keep focusing on us, and getting better each and every day.”
Senior captain and starting quarterback Luke Detampel seems to agree wholeheartedly.
“I think we need to focus on the little details and mental mistakes. A lot of that gets fixed with more experience and reps and we will clean that up. We also need to do a better job on converting on 3rd down and making big plays,” said Detampel. “We do a good job of limiting mistakes like flags or other unnecessary stuff. We also run the ball at a high level with our big O-line.”
There is a strong bond between this year’s players.
“The chemistry around the team is great. Offensively we have been building chemistry with each other since freshman year. We do have many young and new guys but we have got them on page and built that chemistry,” said Detampel.
Senior captain and starting safety Pat Wynn is determined to keep the RedHawk Defense motivated.
“Yes, the losses do suck but I’d rather change our own mistakes that we make – especially on the defensive side of the ball, because regardless of what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, I want to know we did everything in our power to win,” said Wynn.
He knows he plays a huge a huge role int heir success.
“As a defensive captain on this team I feel like it’s a lot of pressure on me to be a part of the heart of the defense, but in order to be a part of that heart I must build up my teammates and create something special,” Wynn said.
Unfortunately, the team has suffered from heavy injuries and an unexpected start to the season.
“But honestly, it’s all about how we come together as a team and support each other,” said Wynn. “Every guy on the roster knows that when one of us goes down, the rest have to step up even harder. We’re not letting injuries define our season we’re fighting through it as a team.”
Detampel is one of the many injured who will be sidelined Friday night.
“We’ve definitely dealt with a lot of adversity through injuries this year, but it’s all about how you respond and we gotta keep moving forward,” said Detampel. “Different guys have stepped up into bigger roles and the injured guys are helping them fit into that role.”
Despite the setbacks, Coach Fitzgerald remains optimistic about the rest of the season.
“I think I’m encouraged with what I’ve seen, but I also know we got a lot of work to do,” Fitzgerald said.
