CBy Owen Barthel ’19 and Craig Hirsch ’18

Chaminade’s varsity football team opened its season with two convincing wins over Poly Prep Country School and Christ the King, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation among the student body.  The varsity team has finished with a losing record in each of the last three seasons, but Chaminade’s hallways are now abuzz in hopes that the once-rebuilding program will be able to take the next step in 2017.

“If the team continues to believe in each other and trust the system, we will be very competitive in arguably the toughest league in the state,” said assistant coach Mr. Michael Dolce ’99.

After being on the wrong end of a 42-13 final score last season, the Flyers defeated Poly Prep on the road 35-7 on Saturday, September 9th.  Chaminade marched down the field and found paydirt on its opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead.  The offense would never look back, dominating the Blue Devils for the game’s duration.  Behind his stout offensive line, quarterback Nick Jaskolski ’18 threw for 239 yards with two passing touchdowns, while Aidan Ryder ’18 added two rushing touchdowns.  Additionally, receiver Chris Nicholas ’18 hauled in two touchdowns of his own.  The Flyers were led defensively by seniors Jack Shelley and Connor Fitzgerald, who each recorded 10 tackles.

On Saturday, September 16th, the Flyers defeated Christ the King 27-0 on Ott Field.  Chaminade got off to an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, and their high-octane offense continued to put the pressure on Christ the King’s defense.  Jaskolski again threw for two touchdowns, while backup quarterback Tommy Rogan ‘19 accumulated 101 passing yards.  Other notable performances included Nicholas’ four receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, as well as junior Conor McCormick’s four receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns.  Defensively, Dominick Speranza ‘18 led Chaminade’s secondary with an interception, while Colin Hanley ‘18 dominated the opposing offensive line, accumulating two sacks and seven tackles.  

These victories over strong opponents are a tremendous way to start the season for a team that hasn’t had much to celebrate for the last two years.  However, with a long season still ahead, the Flyers will need to remain focused.  Michael O’Grady ’19 thinks that an emphasis on attention to detail will help the Flyers do just that.  

“I believe that the team’s effort is unmatched,” he said.  “We make sure every play in practice is treated like a play with two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a game.”

The team also is confident that head coach Mr. Kevin Dolan ’85 can lead the team to success in his second year at the helm.  

“With every practice, drill, and game, you can tell that what he’s coaching comes from genuine experience,” said Patrick Fitzsimmons ’19. “You can tell he knows exactly what he’s talking about, and that you and your team are in good hands.”

The Flyers return to action this Saturday, as they travel to Monsignor Farrell in Staten Island for a 7:00 p.m. tilt.