Varsity Football: Season Outlook

The St. Luke’s football team will open up its 2021 fall season with a road trip to local rivals King School on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Head Coach Noel Thomas is thrilled to be back and says the team’s preseason preparations have gone extremely well: “We all look forward to returning to the field and competing without any restrictions in place. We have enjoyed a good balance of fun and hard work this preseason. We've utilized our weight room and field space to build strength and endurance. The mental preparation of the players has been significant. Our focus has been on building up every individual, because everyone has a role to play.”

The Storm is captained by Everett Andersen ‘22, Brandon Bulerin ‘22, Matt O'Connor ‘22, and Luke Rioux ‘22. Coach Thomas believes the senior quartet will play a valuable role in the team's success this year: “We know every week will be tough, but I expect our captains to exemplify our motto of one line, no gaps, and no excuses. That means building up the entire team emotionally and creating solutions when challenges arise.” 

Thomas says Andersen and O’Connor have really distinguished themselves: “Everett and Matt are very talented athletes who will play at the collegiate level next year. We are extremely fortunate to have such a strong one-two punch at the helm. They both model strong character and set a great example for our younger players.”

Coach Thomas has also been impressed with a number of other players and hopes they will have an instant impact: “Our other two captains, Brandon and Luke, have had an outstanding preseason, and I am excited to see what they will bring to the team as running back and lineman, respectively. Zion Profit ‘22 has impressed the coaching staff with his big-play ability at wide receiver and defensive back. Tad Fleuette ‘24 has transformed physically and given maximum effort each day. We are also thrilled to welcome juniors Ben Hochadel and Tani Smart to the Storm family. They are strong additions to the team and will be in heavy rotation in all phases of the game.”

St. Luke’s football will compete in the Evergreen League again this season, having made the switch in 2019. Coach Thomas says the team’s goals are simple: “I want us to work hard and have fun. I want our team to play with confidence and speed, always giving maximum effort and striving to live up to our high standards of character.”

Following the trip to take on the Vikings, St. Luke’s football will host Albany Academy on Saturday, Sept. 25, before another road game at Berkshire School on Friday, Oct. 1.