Q&A: Football Wins MIFL Bowl Championship

Hana Beauregard '26 Lead Sports

Are there prevailing highlights or moments from the game that resonate with you?

Thomas Corwin ’27: “We struck early with a rushing touchdown from Maurice Ellis ’27 and went into halftime up 7–0. Right after the half, I threw a screen pass to Cole Blotney that he took to the house, breaking multiple tackles to make it 14–0. Fieldston answered with two quick scores…to tie it up…with under a minute left, Marcus Rosario ’26 pulled down a huge interception to push the game to overtime. In overtime, the defense was unbelievable…the offense stayed calm on the goal line and finished the job with Ellis’s game-winning touchdown.”

Are there prevailing highlights or moments from the game that resonate with you?

Varsity Football Head Coach and history teacher Timothy Phipps: “The one moment from the game that stands out to me is when we stopped Fieldston’s overtime drive which ended when we blocked a field goal attempt…They had played 4+ quarters of football but there was this energy in our huddle that was so positive, I knew we were going to win the game.”

Assistant Coach, Athletic Department Associate, and English teacher Dante Brito: “The highlight is obviously seeing the game winning touchdown scored in overtime; but personally for me it was the moments when we did what we were coached to do and played sound aggressive, disciplined football, that was my personal highlight.”

How does this game reflect the team’s development and progress throughout the season?

Captain Nathan Levitt ’26: “I think how the team was able to come back from Fieldston’s two big plays to tie the game really shows how much we have improved throughout the season. Throughout the season we have been working on being able to use momentum when it is on our side and fighting it when it is against us without giving up.”

Varsity Football Manager Maeve Phipps ’27: “From the sideline, I saw so much team development that led to this game. They showed great teamwork after giving up a 14 point lead, never giving up and getting the overtime win.”

Corwin: “A big difference from past years was that this team was united by the desire to win. In previous years, being close as friends kept us together—which was great—but this year, the mentality shifted. Winning 5 of our last 6 games came from that collective, competitive ‘whatever it takes’ edge.”

Did the team have a specific philosophy or goal for the game (or for the season)?

T. Phipps: “When we started the season, I told the team I wanted us to have an ‘I will’ attitude. I wanted them to fight the urge to doubt themselves and instead look at a challenge and say ‘I will do it.’ I wanted them to believe in their ability to take on any challenge, even if they failed at least they can say they did everything they could do.”

Brito: “Defensively, fly around and hit people. It was stressed upon for everyone to do their job on every play cause that could be the play that changes the game.”

Describe the team chemistry during the game? (mindset, attitude, etc.)

M. Phipps: “The mindset was great. The players were very positive towards each other during the game, staying positive after giving up a lead.”

Levitt: “I think [the] mindset was very focused and determined. Personally, I kept on telling myself and everyone on the team that we were going to win. We were all willing to do whatever it took to win, and I remember that a few guys fought through some injuries and sickness to make sure the team succeeded… Overall we all really wanted to win and were willing to put our bodies in the line.”

Brito: “It was great and it was building throughout the playoffs. The camaraderie was amazing to see and feel. Any big play or turnover was celebrated in a healthy way. It was clear that whether on the field or the sideline, the team was locked in.”

How will this win carry into future seasons of Hopkins football?

Corwin: “Even though we are graduating a lot of starters, there is still plenty of talent returning. Now we have players who know what it takes to win, and that is everything. I hope this season showed the younger guys how fun football can be when it is done the right way, and that they carry that forward. Team 153 should not be a one-year story—this should spark a run of championships long after I am gone. Next year, my fellow juniors and I plan to take on the same strong leadership role our seniors had this year, and keep that standard going for the future.”

T. Phipps: “I think this will have a positive impact on our football program moving forward. Every player contributed to this win and we have over 2/3rds of our team returning for next year. What they learned from this season will be invaluable as we begin to build Team 154. I also hope this encourages people new to the sport to give football a try and be a part of the team next year.”

Brito: “It was the brand of football that Hopkins plays and will continue to play. We play hard, we hit hard and we do that repeatedly over and over again…we have some quality players coming back next year who exemplify those standards and I look forward to seeing Team 154 have their imprint on this program the way Team 153 always will.”

Back

online edition

The Student Newspaper of Hopkins School

Q&A: Football Wins MIFL Bowl Championship