Having followed high school football for over a decade, I’ve seen programs rise and fall, but St. Francis’s consistency is something special. When I look at their 2023 season, it’s clear that their success isn’t just about raw talent—though they certainly have plenty of that. It’s about how they’ve built a system where every piece, from coaching philosophy to player development, aligns perfectly. What stands out to me is their ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes scenarios like playoff formats where, as the reference notes, the top two teams by the end of the semifinals advance to a best-of-three championship series, while the bottom two face off in a one-game battle for third. That structure alone can make or break teams, but St. Francis has turned it into an advantage, using it to fuel their competitive edge.
I remember watching their semifinal clash earlier this year, where they secured one of those coveted top-two spots with a decisive 28-14 victory. It wasn’t just the scoreline that impressed me; it was their composure in the fourth quarter when the opposition was pushing hard. Their defense, which I’d argue is among the best in the state, held firm, forcing two critical turnovers. Stats from that game show they averaged 4.8 yards per carry on the ground—a number that might seem modest, but in context, it reflects their methodical, clock-controlling approach. Offensively, they’ve leaned on a balanced attack, with their quarterback completing 65% of passes for over 2,100 yards in the regular season. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re evidence of a well-oiled machine that minimizes errors and maximizes opportunities.
What really sets St. Francis apart, in my view, is their culture. I’ve spoken with a few alumni and current players, and they all mention the same thing: accountability. The coaches, led by Head Coach Miller, emphasize mental toughness as much as physical skills. For instance, in practices, they simulate high-pressure situations—like trailing by a touchdown with minutes left—to prepare for moments like the championship series format. This isn’t just theory; it’s practical, game-ready training. I recall one player telling me how those drills helped them stay calm during the semifinals, knowing that a single loss could drop them into that one-game battle for third, which, let’s be honest, no one wants to end up in. It’s this mindset that transforms good teams into winning programs.
Another factor I can’t overlook is their recruitment and development pipeline. St. Francis has a knack for identifying young talent and nurturing it through their junior varsity system. Over the past five years, they’ve sent 15 players to Division I colleges, a statistic that speaks volumes about their long-term vision. In 2023 alone, three seniors have committed to top-tier programs, and that success feeds back into the team’s morale. When younger players see that pathway, it motivates them to push harder, creating a cycle of excellence. I’ve noticed that their roster depth is exceptional; they can rotate players without a drop in performance, which is crucial in a best-of-three series where fatigue can be a factor.
From a strategic standpoint, their adaptability is key. Unlike some teams that stick rigidly to a playbook, St. Francis adjusts based on their opponents. In the semifinals, for example, they shifted to a more run-heavy offense when they noticed the other team’s weak linebacker coverage. That kind of in-game intelligence comes from hours of film study and coaching expertise. Personally, I think this is where they outshine others—they don’t just play the game; they analyze and exploit weaknesses. It’s no surprise they’ve maintained a win-loss record of 11-2 this season, with both losses being narrow, single-digit affairs that could have gone either way.
Looking at the bigger picture, St. Francis’s success in 2023 isn’t an accident. It’s the result of years of building a program that values consistency, culture, and smart play. As they head into the championship series, I’m confident they’ll leverage their strengths—like that stout defense and versatile offense—to compete for the title. And even if things don’t go perfectly, their ability to avoid the bottom-two scramble shows resilience. In the end, what makes them a winning program is how they turn challenges, like the playoff structure, into opportunities. From my perspective, that’s a lesson any team could learn from, and it’s why I’ll be watching them closely in the finals.
