There is much speculation about Hoban’s football team after losing a strong group of stellar seniors. Will the team reach the state level without them? Will the overall chemistry be affected? These fears were put to rest when Hoban smashed Fredrick Douglass in their season opener, on August 19, 45-6. 

Head Coach Tim Tyrrell claimed he “didn’t have any doubt” going into the new season. He went on to explain how, since Sperling was the team’s only running back (RB), he had to switch his game plan and return to having two or three RBs like they did previously.

The energy levels at the game seemed to waver, perhaps due to the fans’ nerves heading into an uncertain season. However, by the second half of the game, their faith was restored and the seniors got the crowd fired up. Hoban superfan and Student Council President Megan Crowe admitted she “wasn’t surprised we won the game; our program is obviously a strong one.”

Typically, when a team loses players, the chemistry is disrupted. It takes a while for the team to adjust to the change. However, one of Hoban’s senior offensive linemen J’Von Lindsey describes the team’s chemistry as “better than last year because most of the people on the team have had a few years of becoming brothers throughout school days and football practices.” Hoban’s performance on the field shows how bonded they are as a team.

When pressed about the future of football here at the Castle, Coach T’s outlook for the season was optimistic: “Take one practice and each game at a time. If we get better every week then, God willing, we will have a chance in the end.” As for the fans, Crowe would like to see the “loudest crowd we have had since our freshman year in 2020 and a lot of spirit for Mum Day.” 

Come out and support your Knights this Saturday at 12:00 as they face off against Akron East High School and watch them slay the Dragons on our home field.