Football team fights to keep streak alive

The varsity football team looks to continue their 19 game winning streak tonight against the Columbia Hickman Kewpies in Columbia, Mo. The team is 5-0 this season in their quest to defend the state title.

According to Mr. Tony Severino, head football coach, while the Kewpies are a team the Hawklets should beat, it is key to not lose focus.

“I think the pressure of the first couple weeks was coming back and defending your state championship against three high quality teams,” Mr. Severino said. “Now it’s a matter of handling the success.”

In tonight’s game, the team will once again look toward the defense for their leadership.

“We’ll need to make sure to keep the offense in good field position and not give up the big plays,” senior Michael Rose, linebacker, said.

For the second straight week, the team will have to play without senior Jordan Walker, starting running back, who partially tore is LCL against Liberty.  He is out for 1-4 more weeks.

Junior Victor Brancato will once again take his place as starting running back.

A total of 8 starting offensive seniors and 7 starting defensive seniors lead the team this season in their quest to repeat as state champions.

During the first three games against teams that Coach Severino described as “high quality” opponents, the Hawklets came out determined and outscored opponents by an average of 15 points.  Walker led the team with 718 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns.

The defensive focus was to eliminate the big play.  In the first half against Liberty two weeks ago, they struggled to do so.

“In the first half against Liberty we came out about as flat as possible,” Coach Severino said.

However, after initially giving up 167 rushing yards to Liberty, the Haweklets were able to bounce back and win the game 34-14.

After tonight’s game, the district games start; the first at Jefferson City.  In the following weeks, Rockhurst will travel to Raymore-Peculiar and then take on Lee’s Summit North at home.

Tags football Jordan Walker Michael Rose Nick Jones Severino team varsity Victor Brancato