EA Day football. The game everyone has been anticipating since last year. The game that often determines who brings home the Sweater.
This year, the Fords are ready for the challenge.
The 2025 season has tested the team’s resilience. With several close losses and key players sidelined by injuries, it hasn’t been an easy road. But through it all, the team’s attitude, heart, and community have remained intact. They’ve earned big wins against Bonner Prendergast and Germantown Academy, showing their ability and skill in high-pressure situations.
After a tough loss to Malvern Prep, the team has turned that setback into motivation.
“It was an obvious fight between the two teams in the first half, where the score was very close,” said Sixth Form cornerback and running back Stephen Cobb. “But as the game went on, we lost momentum in a way. We made costly mistakes and missed assignments; essentially, we weren’t consistent. That is the key: consistency.”
The loss became fuel.
“When we face adversity, whether it’s a loss or injury, we take 24 hours to be [angry and then] move on,” Head Coach Mr. Brian Martin said.
“At that point after the game, we can only control what we can control going forward. It sucked having to take that one on the chin, but it was just extra fuel to the fire for the rest of our season,” Sixth Form quarterback Zach Faragalli said.
That passion has been burning in the team all week, the team’s recent motto being: “A Victory Should Be Your Expectation, Want It, Fight For It, It’s Already Ours To Be Had!”
With several key players returning, the team’s confidence is high.
“Up front, getting Preston [Bernard] back is huge,” Faragalli said. “Having a group of guys up front who can communicate and move people really changes the game for any offense. Also, having Matt Jones back is a game-changer. He does so much for us as a leader, player, and role model. I also hope that getting Quinn [Gallagher] back will help a lot with our depth and allow us to switch between different personnel packages. I think having these guys in general changes the way we play in any game. I love the chances of our guys against EA, regardless.”
Leadership and unity have been the foundation of the Fords’ preparation.
“Brotherhood and leadership together are the foundation of this team,” Cobb said. “Seniors step up, talk, set the tone, and emphasize the mindset we need.”
This game carries special weight for the team’s Sixth Formers.
“Being at Haverford since junior Kindergarten has really given me a different perspective on the rivalry than most players,” Faragalli said. “Growing up, I would always watch EA Day, whether it was with my family or friends. It really means everything to me. Not only does it mean something to our team, but to all the guys who came before us and are coming after us. It is a dream fulfilled to be able to lead us into battle on EA Day.”
“[EA Day] brings meaning to the game, meaning to the victory we strive for, and purpose to this school, which in the end is something worth fighting for.”
Stephen Cobb ’26
When kickoff arrives, the Fords will step onto the field with one goal: to keep the Sweater where it belongs. EA Day is more than a rivalry; it’s a test of heart, focus, and the relentless drive to represent Haverford with everything they have.
“To be a part of this day, and to actually be an added weight to the scale that determines whether or not we keep the Sweater, brings out a different part of me,” Cobb said. “It brings meaning to the game, meaning to the victory we strive for, and purpose to this school, which in the end is something worth fighting for.”
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