When someone around town would mention Faith Lutheran High School, football wasn’t always the first thing that came to mind. But last year, that all changed. The Faith Lutheran Football program won their first State Championship last year under new Head Coach Vernon Fox. But after achieving so much, the pressure to repeat becomes even greater . Coach Fox said, “I don’t view it as pressure because in my mind we must start all over and this team is a new team with a new identity.It’s time to build on the foundation but establish new goals”.

There is no doubt that the 2014 team will be much younger. The team lost 18 seniors from their championship team, including players like quarterback Jacob Deaville.

Brendan Joyce will be a Junior at the start of next year, and hopes to take over the reigns as quarterback of the team.When asked if he thought having younger players would hurt of help the crusaders, Joyce said, “It can be a mixture of both because some of the young players will be really good once they get the plays down. And some of the older guys can act as mentors to them.”

It’s unquestioned that the Crusaders will have a tough road ahead of them, but with a great group of players and coaches, the Crusaders definitely have what it takes to make the transition. “We will do well, we have a great returning class and coaches,” said sophomore Akiah Cepielik. 

Coach Fox knows his team has what it takes to get their second championship this upcoming season. The Crusaders have a long time until the beginning of the season according to Fox. “It’s time to build on the foundation but establish new goals. We will look to “Believe, Commit, & Conquer!”