Football Team Looks to Play Role of Spoiler
Some people count this year’s ACC Varsity Football Team as down-and-out. But the Chargers seem to embrace their newfound role as playoff spoiler. With a minimum record of 5-4 to make the playoffs, the Chargers are mathematically ruled out for playoff contention. But with a strong showing against perennial SCC powerhouse Marian Central Catholic, the Chargers’ confidence has grown.
After shutting out the Hurricanes in the first quarter, the Chargers drove down the field down 14-0 in the second quarter with the clock winding down. On a fourth and goal from the two yard line, Mike Adams attempted a sneak up the middle. A largely controversial call resulted in a turnover on downs on what many of the players and fans thought was a touchdown. “It looked to us like Mike reached over and got the ball across,” said senior Adrian Mendez. That wasn’t the case, however, and the Chargers went into the half having had a solid defensive first half surrendering only two fluke, big plays.
In the second half, the Chargers continued their defensive prowess, and forced Marian to punt on multiple occasions. Matt Wagner (2 receptions, 31 yards) then scored on a 10-yard fade from Mike Adams late in the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, down by only two scores, Adams connected with senior wide out Mark Brauweiler (10 catches, 87 yards) on two consecutive plays; one a 60-yard completion down the right sideline to set up a first and goal on the 8-yard line, and the next a slant for a touchdown. After the Chargers recovered the onside kick, they couldn’t pull out a victory despite a 152-yard passing and a 105-yard rushing performance from Mike Adams.
“That game really put some life into us, though,” said junior linebacker Tyler Scott. With their best showing since the second half against Mendota, Central is looking forward to being a spoiler for any potential playoff teams— like Driscoll Catholic, Immaculate Conception, and Marmion Academy. “We kinda thought we would be better this year,” said junior running back Andrew Scott. “But it didn’t happen like we thought so we’re looking to ruin some other teams’ hopes for playoffs—we’re spoilers now.”
And spoilers they will be. With playoff-regular Driscoll coming up next, and teams like Marmion and IC who have serious playoff thoughts, the Chargers are looking to do just that— do what they can to ruin everybody’s season.
