Spring Football is all about new beginnings for teams as they officially suit up to see how they look for the next season. For Christ Church, suiting up meant first measuring the players, as the Eagles graduated 10 starters last year. Head Coach Jim Stomps and company are only returning four starters, which means is a “next man up” mentality for the new look team.
After weeks of tough practices, the Eagles showcased their team at St. Joseph Academy Wednesday evening with a 20-7 victory. For Stomps it was a great way to start out the upcoming season. “So proud of the way my CCA Eagles played tonight in our spring game vs St. Joseph Academy. Great opportunity against a quality team tonight. All Eagle players that dressed got playing time tonight”. For Christ Church it starts up front and the Eagles are really excited about their offensive line. They are a young unit, but they worked extremely hard this spring to gel as a unit. It is the strongest unit on the team right now and it showed in spring.
Offensive Line
T- M. Jaroszeski (Jr)
LG- Z. East (Jr)
C- F. Setzer (Sr)
RG- R. Watson (Jr)
RT- G. Lindo (Jr)
Against St. Joseph’s Academy, the line was able to open up big holes for their running backs in the trademark rushing offense that Coach Stomps runs. Christ Church racked up 157 rushing yards on the night. Running back Cadence Lamp rushed 15 times for 66yds and a touchdown on the night. The other head of the two-headed monster, Dawson Schnepel rushed just 7 times but it was for 64 yards on the night. The two spear-headed a backfield that reflects the team around them, very sophomore and junior heavy. In fact, the spring roster only consisted of 6 seniors. Leaders like Aiden Sheehan, Hunter Hollis, and Edwin Arocho will be called upon to step up and be leaders. And from what coaches have seen this spring, they are certainly up for the challenge.” I saw poise and confidence from the team in the spring game”, said Coach Stomps. “I believe they are ready to take the reigns to be starters”– Jim Stomps. Hunter Hollis made five catches for 66yds and scored a touchdown in the game to lead the offense through the air.
On the defensive side of the ball the Eagles are stingy, only yielding 7 points against St. Josephs. The defense flew around the field making plays and giving up 0 points. The touchdown St. Josephs scored came off a pick 6 by their defense. As for the Eagles defense, Jacob Reeves secured two sacks, and Michael Manno also secured two sacks. Reeves is a senior and Manno a sophomore on this young but experienced team. Some other impact players include Zac O’Conner (LB), and Silas Collum (LB) who led the defense this spring.
The Eagles will have three signal callers that will compete for the starting job team this year. They each posses unique qualities that are vital to the success of the team. Quarterback Jarred Carsile is a seasoned vet with playoff experience. The senior stepped in due to injury and led the team to the playoffs. Max Cleland is a sophomore QB who is a tall pocket passer, who slings it accurately and can make the right reads. The two Quarterbacks combined for 101 yards passing through the air in the spring game. Ben Anderson is a QB coming over from the baseball team who ironically is known for his legs just as well as his arm. He can run the read option and other offenses well.
It’s a strong group of athletes once again that has Christ Church living up to their saying of “Christ, Character, and Class”. Look for them to develop the pieces already there to once agin make a playoff run.
