Football is the fifth and final event on EA Day. Often, it’s the game where the winner takes all, and the sweater’s fate is decided.
Fords Football is ready for the challenge. Over the past two weeks, the Fords have picked up big wins, beating an undefeated Springside Chestnut Hill team 28-21 and beating Penn Charter for homecoming 17-13. They currently sit at 6-3.
The Fords, looking to win the season and keep the sweater, have been putting in the work over the past weeks to prepare for the EA Day showdown.
Fifth Form quarterback Zach Faragalli offered some inside strategy for the upcoming game. “[We] definitely watch a lot of films and take advantage of team periods during the week,” Faragalli said. “Our scout team does a great job of giving us the best look possible for what we are going up against.”
The team’s schedule for the week involves starting hard early in the week and finishing with a walk-through and a team dinner, to add some final touches and get some time away from football before game day.
“After that team dinner, [it’s] just time to take care of business,” Faragalli said. “Defensively, having an idea of who their guys are and what kind of coverages they like to be in based on what personal or formation we are going to be in [is an advantage].”
Faragalli, who has faced a torn labrum and ACL in back-to-back seasons, is excited to be back at the helm.
in celebration during a 40-26 win over GA,
October 10, 2024 – Charlie Schreiber ’26
“It’s definitely been a very long and tough journey—a lot of hard days and a lot of doubt throughout the whole process,” Faragalli said. “But I am generally grateful to go through what I did. A lot of great guys like [Sixth Form wide receivers Nicholas Krakovitz and Jude McClave, Sixth Form offensive lineman Thomas Barr, and Fifth Form wide receiver and safety Matt Jones] made it all worth it. Those guys had me through it all and so did a lot of other guys.”
“Now, seeing where I am after about seventeen months of fighting major injuries, it doesn’t even feel real. I’m blessed to be in this position and have the guys around me to help me and the team be successful.”
For the Sixth Formers, EA Day is more than just another game—it’s the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and team pride. As the team’s leaders, they understand how much this tradition means, especially for those who’ve battled through injuries, setbacks, and the demands of a high-stakes season.
The senior team members know they’re playing for more than just themselves—EA Day represents the bond they’ve built with their teammates and the legacy they’ll leave behind. With the entire school standing behind them, there’s a sense of pride and responsibility that goes far beyond the scoreboard.
EA Day is very special. It’s the one day when the entire student body comes together in support of their brothers
Thomas Barr ’25
“EA Day is very special. It’s the one day when the entire student body comes together in support of their brothers,” Barr said. “Being able to compete in the games and feel the support of the brotherhood is truly something special.”
Student Body President and football team captain Josh Williams ’25 shared a similar sentiment. “It’s a real show of how strong our community is,” Williams said. “The entire school comes out and supports every event, not just football. Being there to see it from the field is a thing of beauty.”
