Despite their recent injuries, the Armstrong River Hawks are more motivated than ever to push through the season and make it to the playoffs. Team captains Will Adams and Evan Sthal spoke about the team's goals, advice to the underclassmen, a comparison between this season and last season, and their plans for dominating the division this season. Following a loss against Hampton and a one-point win against North Catholic, the 2023 football season is looking to be uncomfortably close. Last week’s game against North Catholic was decided in the second half, in which the River Hawks “took over.” 

Following an incredible 2022 season, the River Hawks’ goals for this year are to win the conference and go to the playoffs. Evan highlighted being able to “run the ball” as one of his personal goals, and Will agreed. When asked to describe how this season compares to last season, they both responded that the “line is clicking a lot more” and that there is a lot of potential among the team — and especially the underclassmen. 

At the time of the first interview, Will recognized sophomore Colt Sprankle for his efforts and potential as a quarterback. Since then, Sprankle has been unable to play due to an injury, and he is not expected to return for the duration of the season.  The replacement quarterback — freshman Jaydon Oliver — is young, but ambitious, according to Will. Evan highlighted Oliver’s  speed and agility, which will lead to more running plays.

To get the team hyped before a game, Will and Evan said the River Hawks listen to lots of music together. Prayer is another important pregame ritual. “I pray before every game on the sidelines. It’s always been a big tradition for me,” Will added. Treating every game the same no matter what team it’s against or what field it’s on is also important. “I feel the same way every game,” Will declared. “I have the same goal every time we play.”

Playing the opening game at Heinz Field versus Aliquippa was “surreal,” according to Evan. He described the game as both exciting and overwhelming, but Will once again asserted that to him, it was a game just like any other. According to Will, Armstrong has never lost a homecoming game, and he is eager to maintain that record. This year, the homecoming game on Oct. 6 is against Indiana. “It’s gonna be a good game,” Will said, confident in the River Hawks’ ambition. Their goal is to put pressure on the quarterback and work together as a team to win. 

The other senior leaders of the team are Aeden Porter, Isaiah Brown, Alex Patton, Rowan Miller, Nick Mcneely, and Hunter Wagner. On one hand, the loss of senior Isaiah Brown (who was unavailable for interview) has put a damper on team morale. “He was a big leader in the locker room and on the field.” On the other hand, the situation has encouraged the underclassmen to step up and work harder, said Will, who recognized Ian Olsen, Kyan Kline, Chase Jablonski, Joe Bartolowits, and Cam Papemo for their success. Evan encourages the underclassmen to keep working hard and to study the defense when they’re on offense. Will encourages them to never give up and to absorb all of the suggestions they receive.