The GHSA football playoffs have brought plenty of excitement and energy to our campus these past few weeks, and team 112’s impressive performance this season has strengthened our community.
The student body truly showed out and packed the stands at every single playoff game in our very own Hughes Spalding Stadium, matching the energy the War Eagles brought on the field.
Head Football Coach Alan Chadwick expressed his thoughts on this year’s team. “Each year a new set of faces, abilities, chemistry, and leadership combine to set the direction of the season. This year, those traits have intersected to forge an extremely fun group to work with and watch play,” said Chadwick. Key factors such as grit, determination, leadership, and chemistry have been vital in the team’s success this season.
The bond between the players only strengthened as they ran deeper into the playoffs.
Senior Noah Gerrick commented on this strong bond among the team. “This team is like family to me, and there’s no one else I’d rather wear the blue hat with,” said Gerrick.
According to Coach Dan Perez, one reason why this team has enjoyed so much success is their willingness to follow the senior leaders on the team. These leaders included Jack Euart, Noah Gerrick, and Max Mraz, all of which helped to create one complete unit and instill a strong sense of trust among the team and coaches.
Max Mraz described the teams mindset heading into playoffs. “When you get to the playoffs, you have formed a great bond with the younger players. Everyone is on board at this point,” Mraz said.
But this bond has grown in the stands as well. As the intensity of the playoffs increased and the competition intensified, our community bonded closer and committed themselves to supporting the team at every game.
Senior Alex Morana shared his thoughts on supporting the team. “This tight bond calls us to show up and be there in support for others which many other schools don’t have,” said Morana.
With the homefield advantage and the level of competition, the student body’s support was crucial.
Student Tanner Postell voiced his appreciation for our school’s strong fan base. “When we know it could be our last game, it makes everyone give everything that they have into cheering on the guys,” said Tanner. “The student section has never been louder.”
The environment and atmosphere at Hughes Spalding Stadium this year has been unmatched.
Kicker Drew Linnihan said, “There is so much energy in the atmosphere that your body is rushed with adrenaline, and you immediately feel ready to play.” The spirit and support from the student body reminds the team of how special this football team is for our school and community.
Noah Gerrick, one of the key senior leaders on the team, expressed his thanks for all the fan support. “Getting to high five all the kids and having all the fans there cheering us on is so special,” Noah said.
With the team’s success early in the season, it sets a tone of excitement for the remaining matchups, especially in the playoffs. Perez described the environment and energy this way: “It creates such Maristness.”
Each and every player on team 112 left a notable mark on not just the football program but also on our community as a whole. Through their hard work and leadership, this team inspired their classmates, strengthened our school spirit, and left a legacy that will reach beyond our campus.
