Fords football is moving full speed ahead and is more fueled than ever to come out on top. The athletes have gone through a lot together, especially the upperclassmen during the pandemic year, but they have persevered and are in a groove right now.
The Fords secured a massive 21-7 win over La Salle College High School on Friday, September 16. After being brutally wiped out last year, the team was looking for more than just a win. All of the players, including Sixth Former James Falk, wanted revenge.
“It was for sure a very good feeling after what happened last year,” Falk said. “We got ran off the field; we were done being disrespected.”
Fifth Former Sean Brodnik felt similarly.
“Everyone took last year’s game personally. We all remember the awful feeling and embarrassment,” Brodnik said. “We used that embarrassment to fuel us in this year’s game.”
Many teams viewed the Fords as weak competitors after last year’s performance.
“Teams felt that when they played us we were a reset button for them,” Falk said. “An interviewer called us a ‘nice little team,’ so this wasn’t just about beating La Salle for the first time, but earning some respect.”
Fords football currently sits on a 3-0 record.
Their hard work has been paying off, but another huge factor that helped them win the La Salle game was the student section.
“The student section definitely played a huge part in our win,” Falk said. “It really means a lot to us that people take time out of their day to come and support us.”
“They always bring energy and they’re always alive,” Brodnik agreed. “I feel like the student section really helped us build our momentum.”
I feel like this is the first team I’ve ever been a part of at Haverford where I can be 100% sure that the guy next to me cares about the team as much as I do. I think that goes a long way.
Sean brodnik ’24
In addition to the support from outside the field, The team hopes to support each other on the field and show their love for the game.
“I feel like this is the first team I’ve ever been a part of at Haverford where I can be 100% sure that the guy next to me cares about the team as much as I do,” Brodnik said. “I think that goes a long way.”
Fords football also exhibits drive and a desire to win.
“If I had to describe the team with one word, I would say ‘tough,’” Falk said. “This team does not go down without a fight.”
The team is eyeing the Inter-Ac title, but they know that they need to keep working hard to achieve that goal.
“Right now we feel good, but not satisfied,” Falk said. “We all know that there is a lot of work to get done and that this team still has a lot to improve on.”
Brodnik also looks forward to pushing the team to its limits.
“I’m very excited for the Inter-Ac schedule to start, it’s my favorite time of the year,” Brodnik said. “You know every game is going to be a battle. The obvious big test will be Malvern, but I feel like every team will be a tough opponent.”
Falk shared similar thoughts on what to expect during the Inter-Ac season.
“We still have two big tests on our agenda: Malvern and Archbishop Wood, who are two very good teams.”
Fords football is looking solid right now and they hope to keep their momentum going. Their huge win against La Salle is hopefully the start of many more to come. The overall spirit presented by the student body creates an exemplary environment for the Fords to play in and motivates them to dial in.
“Nobody wants it more than us,” Falk said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.