A Big Step Forward: Rivers, Football Team Complete Season

The Cardinals were just 5 points away from making the playoffs as the #2 seed from the region in the state playoffs. Down 26-21 against undefeated, #2 ranked Vigor High School, they had the ball and were driving late in the 4th. But then, a quarterback sack, a fumble and a “scoop and score,” and the Cardinals’ playoff dreams were over. Even so,  they closed out the season strong with a 48-6 victory over Millry the next week, finishing with a 6-3 record. 

"We were right there," says Coach Philip Rivers.  "At the beginning of the season no one expected us to be able to push for a playoff spot, and certainly  no one expected us to have undefeated Vigor on the ropes in the 4th quarter. “ 

"Our players worked extremely hard and competed with great effort all spring, summer , and season long, " Rivers reflects. "Getting that first region win over Jackson and winning 6 games will help cement the foundation and keep us moving in the right direction.  I’m very happy for our seniors getting to go out on a high note.  NUNC COEPI  !“ 

Seventeen seniors closed out their football careers at St. Michael (see picture above). A week or two removed from their last game, they were able to reflect on the season:  

“Team chemistry was great this year”, says Micah Ferrel, “Everybody bought in, especially after the Jackson game. For me, as a receiver, to be coached by a future hall of fame quarterback, getting the timing right with the QB, being precise in my route running—it was amazing.” 

“The retreat to begin the season made a huge difference,” says Jordan Marlowe. “It helped us build a brotherhood.” 

“Even practices were fun”, adds Tanner Volovecky. “When we went offense vs. defense, Coach Rivers against Coach Cortopassi, it got really competitive, but in a fun way, for bragging rights.” 

It wasn’t just a good season for the team. Individual players had good seasons also. 

• On offense, Junior QB Josh Murphy was 118/215 (54%) for 1599 yards in his first season as a varsity starter, including 20 passing TD’s against 14 interceptions. He averaged 177.7 yards/game. 
• Junior Ezra Sexton rushed for 680 yards on 144 attempts, an average of 4.7 yards per carry, with 14 rushing TD’s. He was also a perfect 5//5 as our field goal kicker, and 33/35 on points after TD’s. 
• Senior William Ford was the Cardinal’s leading receiver, with 33 receptions of 416 yards and 7 TD’s. He returned two punts for touchdowns and averaged 20.2 yard per return. 
• Senior Micah Farrell was the team’s deep threat, with 22 receptions for 411 yards, an impressive 18.7 yards per catch, with 6 TD’s. 
• Braylen Green added 19 catches, Moe Faiupu caught 16, and Calvin Caron had 12 catches for 5 TD’s. 
• On defense, juniors Clay Barr and Tyler Cella led the team with 45 tackles each. 
• Senior Britton Cooper had 40.5 tackles, Senior Austin Maloney had 31.5, including a team leading 12.5 tackles for loss, Senior Graham Roh had 28.5 tackles and Junior Justin Helper had 26.5 tackles, leading the team with 4 interceptions. Senior Tanner Volovecky led all defensive linemen with 17.5 tackles. 
• Overall, the defense accounted for 11 interceptions and 16 forced fumbles.