The Siegfried interhall football team, undefeated since 2001, hopes to continue its success in this Sunday's contest against Sorin.
The Ramblers enter the game with a lot of confidence, coming off a convincing shutout victory over Knott last week.
"If we play our football, I don't think that they can beat us," Siegfried coach John Torgenson said.
Although Sorin hasn't proven to be a football powerhouse in the recent past, Siegfried knows they have to be focused on winning this Sunday.
"We've gone 16-1 the past three years - these guys are really confident, but I think that as long as we stay committed to playing our football, that's our biggest challenge, that we don't take anybody lightly," Torgenson said.
Although it had a rough start in its first game of the season, Sorin edged out a 3-0 victory last week against Fisher with a field goal on the final possession. Captain Collin O'Keefe acknowledged his team's shaky beginning, but said he has hope for the rest of the season.
"Luckily, we had the first game to work the kinks out, and ended up putting things together toward the end of the game," O'Keefe said.
In practices this week, the team worked on blocks and putting together a smoother offense.
Siegfried's coach has no doubts that his team will come through with the win.
"These guys have so much commitment to practicing and wanting to be the best team in the league this year," Torgenson said.
With 21 of 22 starters returning from last year's championship season, the Ramblers have experience on their side.
The Otters, however, refuse to be intimidated by their opposition's reputation.
"We know how good they are, but we plan on coming out, playing our game and showing them that we are not going to let them push us around," O'Keefe said. "We're just going to go out and play hard and do everything we can to win the game,"
The teams meet Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Riehle North Field.
Carroll vs. St. Edward's
The Vermin are not used to being in this position. After a season-opening victory over Zahm, Carroll will look to remain undefeated in interhall play as it takes on St. Edward's at Riehle North Field Sunday.
Defeating Zahm 10-6 last weekend, Carroll moved the ball fairly well, despite only scoring 10 points.
"In our first game, we didn't have any plays that went for negative yards," captain John Butz said. "We moved the ball and played as a team."
This will mark first time Carroll and St. Edward's have played in several years, and both teams are anxiously anticipating what should be a very exciting game.
"We're looking forward to St. Ed's. It was great to get our first win, and hopefully we will be 2-0 after Sunday's game," Butz said.
St. Edward's, who has not yet taken the field, is eager to play its first game. The squad has looked good in practice, and is hoping that carries over to league play.
"We've had a few good weeks on the practice field, and a good scrimmage," captain Kevin McNamara said. "Carroll is a great team, and we hope that we play well against them. Our offense is coming along well and we are going to come out strong and make plays."
St. Edwards also expects to play hard on defense and force Carroll to make mistakes and turn the ball over.
"We just want to play solid, aggressive defense," McNamara said. "We looked good in our scrimmage, and we just hope we play hard."
Zahm vs. Knott
A desire for redemption fuels the force behind Zahm and Knott Hall's practices.
Both squads suffered disappointing losses in their openers last week.
But when the two come together Sunday, the competition is sure to be even fiercer due to the single-touchdown win by Zahm over Knott in last year's meeting.
"We would like to try and rebound after a tough opening loss [against Siegfried], but we know Zahm will be trying to do the same, so we are just going to have to play tough, mistake-free football," Knott captain Drew Donovan said.
Zahm had a 3-1 record last year and an appearance in the playoffs, while Knott went only 1-3. However, the Juggernauts and Zahmbies have their eyes on final round competition this year.
The Zahmbies are strengthened by a large number of returning starters from last fall's roster, building confidence in the season ahead.
The Knott team retained much of its upperclassman base from 2002, minus a few key players from the secondary and receiving corps. Thus far, linebackers John Bisanz and Joe McCarthy, defensive back Brian Schmutzler and offensive guard Jason Creek lead the team on the field. The Juggs relatively experienced team is focusing on refining the skills already established for cleaner play.
"We lost a tough game to Siegfried, where a couple of big mistakes cost us," Donovan said. "However, we know we can eliminate those mistakes and still have a good season."
See the match between the Juggernauts and Zahmbies at 3 pm Sunday on Riehle North Field.
