New Order: Spring-Ford seniors look to write their own script in 2016
Leadership. Dedication.
The two principles were evident in last year’s Spring-Ford seniors that led the Rams to an undefeated league record and the team’s first PAC-10 Championship since (2011).
Now, this year’s seniors are waiting for their chance to pen another chapter in the Spring-Ford record book.
“There were a lot of leaders on that senior class that really took control when they had to,” Rams offensive/defensive lineman Luke Nadwodny said. “Senior year only comes once, we need to take advantage of it.”
“Each senior class has its own identity and wants to go out a champion, so this year’s seniors want to create their own legacy,” Spring-Ford head coach Chad Brubaker said. “Last year’s seniors will always have that. This year’s seniors want to establish their own place in school history.”
Friday night at Unionville, they get their first chance.
The Rams face a Indians squad that has plenty of fresh faces, yet plenty of talent. The Indians graduated 20 seniors from last season — including every skill position starter — on a squad that went 6-0 in the Ches-Mont American Division. The linebacker corps of Trevor Gardiner, Jesse Gill and James Watson headline a defense that will look to slow down a Spring-Ford rushing attack that averaged 202.8 yards rushing per game in 2015.
It’s a group Rams senior running back Matt Gibson is looking forward to running against.
“We’re excited for this game,” Gibson said. “Their (Indians) run defense is pretty good so we’re going to have to mix it up. We just need to go out and execute like we know how to do.”
Speaking of Fresh Faces
This year marks the first year of the new PIAA classifications and the four-game non-league schedule for members of the PAC.
Are the players excited? They sure are.
“We’re real excited for these games,” Spring-Ford’s Casey Callahan said. “We’re excited to see a team that we’ve never played before and kids we’ve never played before in a stadium we’ve never played in before.”
Stay Cool
Tomorrow will be a hot one across the district with game-time temperatures projected to be at 84 degrees while only dipping down to 80 degrees at 10 p.m. Obviously, staying hydrated will be key in week one, or the “cramp game.”
“Starting tonight (Wednesday night), the plan is to drink a lot of water, Gatorade, eat a lot of pickles,” Gibson said.
“We just need to take care of our body, Nadwodny added. “Stay away from the junk foods, stay away from the chips.”
In Dedication
Nadwodny took to social media to dedicate his season to former Ram player Brian Clarke, who while riding his bicycle was accidently struck by an automobile and later died in July of 2012. “My senior season will be dedicated to a real one who unfortunately isn’t with us anymore,” Nadwodny said via Twitter. “but you always (will) be looking down over us.”
Honoring Our Military
Pottsgrove will host its annual Military Appreciation Night Friday night. The annual occasion is to show the school’s deep appreciation for both active and retired military for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe. A heroes reception will be held at the stadium tent at 6:15 p.m. All veterans are invited free of charge.
