Spotlight on: Gilbert Tigers

Hometown: Gilbert Arizona

Group: 5A

By Brett Manney

SportsPower Correspondent

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the first moon landing, Woodstock and the Vietnam War were all prevalent when Jesse Parker won his first high school football game as a head coach.

The year was 1969 – an era far different from today, as the Internet, cell phones and DVDs are now the norm.

Meanwhile, the Gilbert head coach now has 309 wins to his resume.

Times certainly have changed.

Parker was 29 when he first coached Phoenix Campbell high school and now, at 68, he is officially the all-time winningest coach in Arizona history, surpassing Karl Kiefer, who last coached at Mountain Point High. 

For such a big accomplishment, one would figure that Parker is ecstatic about his milestone, but that’s not the case. According to Jason Skoda of the Arizona Republic, Parker said, “It’s hard to think of personal records when you are trying to prepare each week. I’m proud I have been in it this long and still have a connection with the kids.”

Extremely modest from a coach who has won so many games that his milestone is almost an afterthought compared to his game preparation and relationships formed throughout the years.

Indeed, Parker does have a connection that stems from coaching teenagers for 39 years and shows no signs of stopping. Moreover, he has five 5A state championships on his record, in addition to nine state championship game appearances.

Parker emphasizes that his players get the most out of their ability. While he might be critical at times, he still finds a way to win football games. With six wins this year and only two losses to powerhouses Hamilton (6-1, State PR: 77.78, Rank 6) and  Salpointe Catholic (7-1, State PR: 71.45, Rank 8), Parker has produced another winning season with two games remaining, plus the potential for postseason play.

Yet, believe it or not, but there is company at the top for Parker. Tucson Amphitheater’s (4-4, State PR: 55.71, Rank 27) Vern Friedli, 72, has 307 career wins and his remaining three opponents are a combined 7-9. 

It’s possible that there could be two active coaches who pass the career wins mark by the end of the regular season. Friedli, who has been coaching for 46 years, said to Casey Crowe of the Arizona Daily Star of his record, “It would be nice. But that’s not what we predicate everything on. And it never has been.”

This is just another perfect example of a class act putting a monumental milestone behind a simple league game.

The milestone win for Parker finally came to fruition last Friday when the Tigers defeated Fiesta League foe Highland (4-3, State PR: 52.60, Rank 25), 21-0.   

And so while the world around him has changed drastically, Parker’s winning ways have not. When he won his 309th game, Parker handled his business like he won his first game almost 40 years ago.

Of course, minus the congratulatory text messages and digital camera photos capturing a moment well deserved.

Next up: October 31 at Chandler (State PR: 63.62, Rank: 13).

Got any teams you want featured in the next spotlight? E-mail editor Adam C. Warner at adam.warner@activenetwork.com.

By Ryan Rohde

SportsPower Correspondent

Saint Joseph’s Prep -- a longtime Philadelphia-area high school football powerhouse -- typically sees its season end with a Philadelphia Catholic league championship or a stout record of 10-0 or 9-1.

This season, however, there is even more to strive for than just a league title. The Philadelphia Catholic league has chosen to participate in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association in 2008 with an opportunity for all of its teams to win a state championship.

This was a dream never even possible before the season.

So now that St. Joseph's can compete in the same postseason as the rest of its PIAA counterparts, especially with a roster that boasts a number of kids from southern New Jersey and from the surrounding Philadelphia area -- a priviledge that public school teams do not have --  it raises the question: Do private school football teams have an advantage over the public school teams that they compete against?

The question over whether public school and private schools should play in the same leagues or playoff classes intensifies with each passing year. The topic has been controversial and often times sparks emotion in parents, fans and administrators.

Each state association has different rules and regulations on the matter. For instance in some states, like California and Florida, it's considered normal to have private schools playing along side public schools during the regular season and postseason.

But there are also states like Mississippi and Alabama where most private schools play in a separate league not associated with the state.

But perhaps the bulk of the controversy stems from the ability of private schools to “recruit." Private schools, unlike public schools, are not regulated by school districts to designate where its students and athletes come from. Many coaches, players, and fans claim this gives the private schools an unfair advantage.

“Most public schools have a down year or two within a twenty year period," said Steven Hoard, head coach of the Bradford Tornadoes (Fla.) in an October 13th NorthFloridaNewsDaily.com blog. "The advantages of a controlled enrollment, the ability to recruit players from other school zones through out the state, out of state recruitment, international recruitment and unlimited resources give many private schools a uneven advantage that is within the current rules of the FHSAA.”

Coach Hoard echoes many sentiments heard throughout many high school athletics communities. He agrees that the talent pool from which these private schools have to select from is much greater than that of a public school. This, in turn, leaves an uneven playing field and gives private schools a better chance of restocking talent for the following years. Over time, the players from this pool tend to gravitate towards the better football programs.

And recruiting problems are not just limited to football or private schools, there is also a recruiting issue in public schools as well.

The case of Martin Babovic, a foreign exchange student from Serbia, caused a major stir in the California Interscholastic Federation- Southern Section league very recently.

Babovic was a standout player on the Corona del Mar water polo team. CIF-SS officials deemed Babovic ineligible because of pre-enrollment contact. The contact took place between the host family and Babovic before he was enrolled in the foreign-exchange program through e-mails and phone calls. Officials saw this action as an “undue influence,” which broke CIR-SS regulations and ruled Babovic ineligible.

Some states have even taken measures to separate public and private schools. In Mississippi, for instance, private and public schools play under different state associations, and until the '07 season, were not allowed to even schedule or play one another. The only controversy at the end of the season was over who was the better team, the public champ or the private champ.

In order to find the facts, a study was done by the Ohio High School Athletic Association on public and private high school football teams. In Ohio, most of the private and public school teams play for the same state title.

The study showed that in '07, out of the 640 public school teams, 162 (25.3%) made the playoffs, 133-145 was the playoff record (47.8%) with only 17 (10.5%) schools that made it past round three of the playoffs. Meanwhile with private schools, out of 76 total schools, 30 (39.5%) reached the playoffs, 35-23 (60.3%) was the overall playoff record, and seven (23.5%) programs made it beyond round three.

The numbers indicate that there is a discernable difference in the success of the public and private school programs, but some state associations haven taken steps to reduce the potential for league or state dominance by a single school.

In one case, Concord De LaSalle, out of California, was kicked out of its league and forced to play a freelance schedule because the football team was too dominant. The CIF-SS had implemented rules for determining a team to be “too good." For example, the team had to make the CIF-SS five years consecutively, post a dominant win-loss record against league schools and have a vast majority of its wins be by an excessive margin during that five-year span.

But even with rules like these implemented, the debate over whether a team must leave a league will still be controversial.

The question of private vs. public will likely be talked about through the history of high school athletics. The fact remains that there is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. It seems like the only solution for coaches and players is to keep playing.

After all, high school football is more than just state titles and wins.

If you have any ideas for an upcoming spotlight story, e-mail editor Adam C. Warner at adam.warner@activenetwork.com.

Spotlight on: Texas High vs. Arkansas High Rivalry

Hometown: Texarkana, Texas

Group: TX Class 4A & AR 6A

By Omar Muhammad

SportsPower Correspondent

The Texas High vs. Arkansas High rivalry is not your average high school football clash.

Basic rivalries often feature longtime rivals that have bitter dislike for one another, usually because they are in the same conference, a close proximity, or have played each other quite frequently.

And while these two schools certainly have a feud, Texas vs. Arkansas is not your typical rivalry – it’s a little more complex than that.

Not only are the two schools just six miles away from each other in different states, but also they share the same city – Texarkana – which sits on the border of Texas and Arkansas.

Talk about unique.

Ever since 1912, these two border teams have been clashing helmets to find out who is really the No. 1 team in Texarkana. And to make it even more interesting, the victor each year goes home with the coveted Battleaxe rivalry trophy.

Arkansas has been fighting hard to take back the trophy but hasn’t been successful for much of the past decade. Texas has won the rivalry game each year since ’01.

Meanwhile, there are countless traditions and fan contributions that make this one of America’s top rivalries.

Every year, fanatics from both Texas and Arkansas come together to pump up this big game. For example, Texas boasts a peculiar pregame ritual where fans conduct a bacon fry with the team. You heard it right, Texas supporters will fry bacon to symbolize how they plan to “fry the hogs” in the game later in the day.  

Arkansas also has a similar pregame breakfast, but the Hogs serve “Tiger Tails” (also known as an orange donuts twist) and Orange Crush soda.

Both schools also share a common thread for elite football talent. Currently, Texas High features junior quarterback Nathan Sorenson (who threw for 1,638 yards and 13 scores as a sophomore). In the backfield, the squad boasts a 1,000-yard rusher in Leroy Jones and major Div. I wide receiver recruit Cibi Hamilton.

While Arkansas has been struggling this year because of a lineup filled with young players, the squad is a two-time defending Class 6A Arkansas state champion and featured six All-State players last year.

In this season’s battle for the Battleaxe, Texas, now averaging over 40 points per game, defeated the Hogs with ease, 49-24, on the “road.”

While Texas has dominated the matchup in recent years, both communities know very well that this matchup is more than just a final box score. It’s about the pride and traditions of a city and two high schools that will likely be honored for years to come.

Look for Omar’s High School Spotlight’s each week right here at FootballPower.tv. If you have any schools that would make a great spotlight feature, send your school and a brief description to editor Adam C. Warner at adam.warner@activenetwork.com.

Spotlight on: Staples Wreckers

Location: Westport, Connecticut

Group: LL

By Andre Coles

SportsPower Correspondent

The 2008 football season will represent a transformation for the Staples Wreckers in more ways than one.

In addition to moving up to a tougher division this year, Staples debuted new and improved uniforms earlier this season.

Said head coach Marce Petroccio; “I felt it was time for a fresh start, not a change to the Staples look, but a modification to the class we’ve always represented.”

The Wreckers’ new uniforms were designed by One World USA, which has also designed uniforms for many NFL teams.

Meanwhile, along with the team’s wardrobe change, the Wreckers have also moved up to a new division in order to play tougher and more competitive opponents. Previously, Staples competed in Class L, whereas today, the squad will represent Class LL.

But have no fear Staples fans, the Wreckers are looking forward to the competition and a new schedule that the move brings.

“We’ve had a lot of success in Class L by beating many Class LL teams,” Petroccio said. “For us moving up to Class LL offers a great opportunity and challenge.  The No. 1 team in the state is usually in Class LL. But to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

And with Petroccio at the helm, the Wreckers have arguably been one of the best teams in Connecticut.

Entering his 16th season as the head coach of Staples, Coach “P” -- as he is known to most in the community -- has compiled an overall record of 131-44 to date. The long-tenured coach has also led Staples to five championship appearances in the last six years, while bringing three of those titles back to his home team.

The Wreckers were crowned state champions in ‘02, ‘04 and ‘05 under the tutelage of Petroccio.

The efforts and success of Petroccio have not gone unrecognized by his peers. The Connecticut High School Coaches Association has named him coach of the year numerous times, most recently in ‘07. The New York Giants also honored Petroccio in ‘04 as the Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Year for his service and dedication.

Petroccio, who has not had a single losing season since his first as head coach, plays a key role in mentoring and helping his players in life.

Since ‘97, the Staples football program has sent over 50 players to compete at the collegiate level.

And keeping up the tradition of Wrecker past, this year’s squad is off to a 4-1 start with its only loss coming at the hands of Ridgefield on Oct. 3rd.  But the Wreckers bounced back the following week with a 21-14 win over Danbury.

The ‘08 season is still fairly young for the Wreckers, and have six games left to show off their new uniforms, all while following Petroccio’s lead towards making their mark in Class LL.

Next Up: 10/25/2008 vs. New Canaan (6-1, State PR: 91.00, Class Rank: 1).

Check for Andre's High School Spotlights each week here at FootballPower.tv.

Spotlight on: Farragut Admirals

Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee

Group: Class 5A

By Jimmy Oliver

SportsPower Correspondent

A first glance at Reese Browning and the Farragut Admirals and one might mistake the squad for the Dallas Cowboys.

The comparisons start with the blue star on the silver helmet and similar color patterns, but due to the team’s elite skill level this season, the Admirals have made fans double take nearly every Friday night, and often fueling questions over whether Farragut truly is “America’s Team” in disguise. 

Meanwhile, Browning has done his best Tony Romo impersonation this season in leading the way for the Admirals.  The junior quarterback has lifted his squad to a 7-0 overall record so far this season thanks to his strong, accurate passing ability and elite game management skills. In seven starts, he has thrown for a total of 1,627 yards while tossing 17 touchdowns; quite impressive for a junior signal-caller.

But while the ball flies long and high for the Admirals, it just might be the stable of game-changing running backs that ignites this squad. Junior D’Andre Purdy is the leader of the group and has already rushed for 749 yards this season with nine touchdowns.  Likewise, Chris Bass, Trevoris Bogan and Monte Hudson, among others, have seen frequent action and have made major contributions.  

And with four different running backs that can go the distance on any given down, as well as a capable tight end in Derek Harper, it’s no secret that Farragut’s offense is humming. Through seven games so far, the Admirals have averaged 39 points per contest, while holding opponents to just 11.4 total – good for a difference of nearly four touchdowns every game. 

Defensively, the Admirals are putting up impressive numbers to date. With a lofty 12 interceptions and six fumble recoveries, it’s apparent that this squad is made up of ball hawks. Seniors Jonathan Moskal and Bogan lead the way with three picks apiece. 

While the Admirals have been outstanding in all phases of the game thus far, the team’s next two games pose as major hurdles. Rival schools Ooltewah and Soddy Daisy still loom, and both have lost just once to date.

But with Farragut’s chameleon-like style of offense and nose for the ball on defense, the squad should look to enter as favorites in both of those games. 

It’s apparent so far -- just like the big boys down in “Big D,” -- that Farragut’s star is shining bright and will likely do so for the rest of the season.

Next: October 17, 2008 at Ooltewah (5-1 overall, State PR: 82.37, Rank: 9).

Spotlight On: Bessemer Academy

Hometown: Bessemer, Alabama

Group: AISA AAA

By Ryan Rohde

SportsPower Correspondent

After opening its doors in 1970, Bessemer Academy was just one of the many new private schools across Alabama designed for white students who wanted to segregate from black students.

After all, the town of Bessemer hails just 10 miles southwest of Birmingham, where racism was ever-present during that period.

Fast-forward almost thirty years to 1997 and the town of Bessemer had changed. The steel industry was gone, the formerly majority caucasian town was now 70 percent black, and Bessemer Academy was struggling to keep its head above water.

With more and more whites leaving Bessemer, and enrollment plummeting at the school, academy officials needed to make a change in order for the school to get back in good standing with the community.

Ultimately, they decided the best way to make a difference was to build a football powerhouse.

“A great debate team is not going to bring in students. But a great football team will," said Ben Allison, a former member of Bessemer's board of directors, in a 2005 New Orleans Times-Picayune article by Josh Peter.    

The plan the school followed was simple. First, the initial step in building a formidable, respectable program was to hire a new coach.

Bessemer was not known for its football prowess, so there weren’t any established coach knocking on the door. Soon, however, the school decided to hire Mark Freeman, a car salesman and local Pee-Wee football coach.

Next, Freeman and the school understood that in order to build a quality team, they would need the best athletes, black or white. And this was going to be no easy task at a school with an openly racist past and inclusion in the Alabama Independent School Association, a league formed for teams that wouldn’t play against teams with black players. 

Meanwhile, Freeman’s first year at Bessemer resulted in a 4-7 campaign, while the second season showed marked improvement by going 6-4. Clearly, the team was improving, but there was still something missing.

Then, LaRon Yow enrolled at Bessemer during the ’00-‘01 school year. His mother sent him to Bessemer because she was worried about the learning environment at Jess Lanier, the town’s only public high school.

Yow was the team’s only black player that season. He started out playing receiver, but Freeman moved him to defensive line and watched the talented athlete finish his senior year with 19 sacks.

Additionally, Freeman also raised eyebrows when he hired a black assistant coach without the school board’s approval. Roderick Foster was a standout player at Alabama-Birmingham and the school’s first black employee outside of the maintenance or janitorial staff.

In the Times-Picayune article by Peter, Foster said he took the job to “open the doors to the community of Bessemer and to whoever thought it was a white school.”

Other black players followed in Yow’s footsteps. By 2001, the Rebels went 9-2 and made reached the AISA state championship before falling to Monroe Academy. The following season, Bessemer went undefeated while winning the school’s first championship.

Today, Bessemer’s enrollment today stands at almost 500 students, 43 of them being black and 12 of them members of the football team. After clearing that hurdle in ’02, the Rebels also won state championships in ‘04, ‘06 and ‘07.

And so while Freeman no longer coaches at Bessemer, the former head coach was certainly a vital part of the school’s success and has clearly left his mark on Alabama high school football history.

Indeed, Bessemer succeeded where other Alabama private schools did not over the years. 

They learned acceptance and inclusion, and it has made all the difference in the world.

Next up: October 10 vs. Morgan Academy (State PR: 55.39, Rank: 37).

Spotlight on: Gateway Gators

Hometown: Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Group: PA AAAA

By Andre Coles

SportsPower Correspondent

The Gateway Gators refuse to settle for anything less than a state championship in 2008. After coming within one point of the title game last season, this year’s squad is poised to finish the task.

The Gators continue to use last year’s second place finish against state champ Pittsburgh Central Catholic as motivation in every game this campaign.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Michael Love of YourSouthHills.com, head coach Terry Smith echoed those sentiments and explained his team’s passion for a championship this season.

“The kids are focused on it right now. This is an experienced group who is working hard. Having that bad taste in their mouth makes them work even harder.”

As a result, the ‘08 squad has been leaving a bad taste in the mouths of every opponent so far this season. The Gators are already off to a 6-0 start and have outscored opponents 278-38.

The Gators' success this season has been no fluke either, as the squad has a more than capable leader in Smith, along with a talented cast of players that carry out his philosophies and passion on the field.

Smith, who is a former Gator and Penn State University receiver himself, has never endured a losing season at Gateway. Overall, in his seven years at the helm, Smith is 59-18.

And leading with his experience as a coach and a player, Smith feels like this season’s squad might be his best in some time.

In an interview with Dave Mackall of the Tribune-Review, Smith said, “Potentially, this is the best team. There’s a lot of talent and a lot of valuable experience here. And we work hard.”

Smith’s message is certainly saying a lot for a program that has sent over 45 student-athletes to compete collegiately since he took over in ‘02, including this year’s group of impressive seniors of which four have already made Div. I commitments.

Big name seniors Dorian Bell and Corey Brown have already committed to Ohio State University, while Colin Rodkey and B.J. Stevens have chosen Indiana University and Miami of Ohio, respectively.

These players provide the experience and leadership Smith speaks of. 

“The returning starters are leading by example and leading verbally. They’re doing everything we’ve asked of them.”

With that being said, as the second-ranked team in Pennsylvania according to FootballPower’s most recent poll, the Gators will face their toughest challenge of the season this upcoming week. 

For the first time in its history, Gateway will face a formidable Trojans squad of Erie McDowell High (State PR: 69.90, Rank: 37).

As long as the Gators continue to use last year’s loss in the WPIAL championship as motivation, while continuing to follow Smith’s lead and ride their experienced and big name seniors, this squad should be wearing medals around their necks when the season comes to a close.

Next up: October 10 at Erie McDowell.

Check out the Gateway Gators own team Website here!

Spotlight on: Summerville Green Wave

Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina

Group: SC Class 4A

By Ryan Rohde

FootballPower Correspondent

His name is legendary around the Palmetto state. South Carolina named a day after him in 1977 and Harry Truman was even president when he began his current profession.

One might wonder who might warrant such an impressive resume: perhaps a politician, an actor or humanitarian? Actually, it's Summerville (State PR: 65.88, Rank: 21) head football coach John McKissick.

558 wins, 10 state titles, and 30 regional championships later, McKissick still patrols the sidelines for the Summerville Green Wave. Now embarking in his 57th season at Summerville, McKissick is the winningest football coach at any level.

McKissick’s coaching career actually commenced in Clarkton, North Carolina, where he was hired as the head football coach not knowing it was a 6-man program. In reality, he knew very little about 6-man football, so he read a book about it and soon lead his team to a 7-2 record – all while coaching the boys and girls basketball teams and the baseball squad.

Understandably, he only stayed at Clarkton for one year.

Then in the summer of 1952, McKissick applied for head coaching position at Summerville. The job was open after the Green Wave won two state titles and the previous coach moved up to the college ranks. McKissick won the job over some highly qualified coaching candidates and clearly, the decision paid off, and not just on the football field.

The 82-year-old is known as a father and even grandfather figure around the South Carolina city of around 30,000.

"I think the most important element of coaching is teaching the kids how to be successful; that it takes hard work; that it takes perseverance; to keep trying,” said McKissick in a recent article by Alan Ross of AmericanProfile.com. “In football, you get knocked down a lot; in life, you get knocked down, but you’ve got to get back up."

The Summerville athletic program has honored the long-time coach by naming a college scholarship after him. This scholarship is awarded to the football player who does not receive an athletic scholarship, but exemplifies what John McKissick preaches in the classroom and on the field.

Meanwhile, more than 3,000 players have heard his message during his 56 years of coaching.

"John McKissick is a life-lesson coach," said Billy G. Baker, who has known the Summerville coach for 35 years and is the co-author of two books with McKissick, Called to Coach and Called to Coach II.

What may be even more amazing than his records or accomplishments is that all 3,000 plus athletes that came out for the Green Wave earned a jersey. The living legend has never cut a player that has come out for the team in all of his years of coaching.

And he has kept that mentality since day one.

Perhaps the reason the athletes keep coming out is that he keeps the game as easy as possible.

“The game is so simple - all it is tackling, running and blocking,” said McKissick in a recent NFLHS.com article by David Krider.

And that is exactly what McKissick does these days; he keeps everything simple.

After the Friday night games, he and his wife head straight to their beach house for the weekend, travel back home on Sunday and then starts preparing for the next week’s game. That is the legend’s routine.

If you ask any regional experts or coaches, they too would say that his routine works just fine.

Next up: October 3, 2008 vs. West Ashley (State PR: 53.02, Rank: 30). 

Spotlight On: St. Xavier Bombers

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Group: Ohio Division I

By Andre Coles

FootballPower.tv Correspondent

Saint Xavier Athletic Director John Sullivan believes that Bombers Football is more than just accolades and achievements. 

“At St. Xavier, we believe the goal of games is to win, while the goal of athletics is to grow," says Sullivan.

Clearly, Sullivan understands the true meaning of athletics for the young adults at St. Xavier.

“Our program’s mission is very simple: Strive for the magis (for the greater glory of God) in everything we do,” Sullivan said. “Our goal is to produce championship caliber young men that understand that winning is more than who scored the most points at the end of the 4th quarter. Ultimately, we want our young men to be better people when they leave the St. Xavier football program than when they arrived.”

With those ideals in place, the Bombers football program, headed by a superior head coach in Steve Specht, has undoubtedly produced productive members of society, and at the same time, top-notch athletes who have risen to the elite ranks in sports.

Currently there are 38 former Bombers on college football rosters with 14 of those individuals being from Specht's undefeated state championship squad of 2007.

Meanwhile, Rocky Boiman and Lamar Marshall also represent the Bombers in the National Football League.

And with a coaching staff that believes in the school mission and preaches it every day, it’s no wonder that the Bombers have been at the top of an elite list in Ohio football.

The program also has a very capable leader in Specht. The former Bomber is in his 14th season with the team and his 5th as the head coach.

In an interview with Danny Hotochin of USAFootball.com, Specht outlined his passion for coaching and the mentors who helped teach him valuable lessons along the way. That passion merged with the positive influences in his life, and the mantra of the athletics department, has a direct effect on the program today. 

“I know I wanted to coach when I was in high school,” Specht said. “I had the good fortune of playing under some great coaches. My coaches had a direct impact on my passion for the game.”

Among those coaches is current Florida head coach Urban Meyer, who was once Specht’s secondary coach.

All the while, Specht is quick to point out that perhaps his biggest influence came from former Bomber head Steve Rasso, who is a current member of the Ohio High School Football Hall of Fame. 

Says Specht, “I learned an awful lot from him about football and an awful lot about life. When I talk about my football philosophy as far as teaching, these kids about football and life -- that’s what Rasso did for me.”

Specht appears to have taken what he has learned and kept the tradition of Bombers football in full stride.  Overall, Specht owns a 43-5 overall record and boasts two undefeated state championship teams and back-to-back appearances in the highly competitive Ohio vs. USA Challenge.

Meanwhile, this year’s squad is off to a tough start in comparison to seasons past.  The ‘08 Bombers are currently 3-3 with losses to three of the toughest teams in the country: Colerain (OH), Trinity (KY) and Elder (OH). 

It should be noted that the Bombers play one of the nation’s toughest schedules, with opponents spanning across five states and wins already against three very difficult opponents in Prattville (AL), Indianapolis Cathedral (IN) and Don Bosco Prep (NJ).

Indeed, St. Xavier is still among the Greater Catholic League's elite. There is no doubt that Specht and the Bombers – with four games left in the regular season to earn a playoff berth – will seek to do their best, all while striving for magis along the way.

Next up: October 3, 2008 at La Salle (State PR: 50.92, Rank: 70).