The Steinert Varsity Football team has been fighting past all challenges that have come their way despite the season having a slow start. The boys have been showing their dedication to the sport and putting in their all to bring the team to victory. The program’s new head coach, Mr. Thaddeus Richards, has been guiding the boys in strategies, sportsmanship, and skill while pushing them to put in their best effort to assist them in reaching their goals. The boys have stayed dedicated as they practice the fundamentals of the sport. With every game, they continue to display their ability to not only play as a team but as a family. 

September 1st marked Steinert’s first win of the season against Ewing, opening with a shutout, 17-0. Sophomore Isaac Pate and senior Anthony Torres both ran for a touchdown combining to have over 100 yards on the ground. The defense of the team was outstanding, resulting in 3 turnovers. The Spartan’s hard work and determination allowed them to reach this victory.

Although the Spartans lost to Allentown on September 9th with a score of 40-6, they tried their best in the rough, humid weather conditions. Senior Connor Phox scored a passing touchdown with the help of junior Anthony Giglio and Senior Nick Corby had an interception.

On September 14th, West Windsor-Plainsboro defeated the Spartans 28-13. The Spartans started strong in the beginning with a score of 10-7 in the first quarter. Throughout the game, there was a total of 117 yards rushing. Anthony Torres had a rushing touchdown and senior Jake Spradlin had two field goals. In the entirety of the game, there were three interceptions.

Steinert lost to Nottingham on September 23 with a score of 22-0,  but the Spartans tried their best in defending their opponent. The Spartans forced a fumble and Remy Faniello had a total of two sacks. 

On September 30th, Steinert played the Homecoming game against Robbinsville, where they went head-to-head in an intense game. Robbinsville won 24-22, but the team is beyond optimistic for the future. Junior Matt Iraca said, “I think our energy was up all game and kept us playing hard up until the last second of the fourth quarter. Some little mistakes cost us the game. That can easily be fixed before our next game vs. Hightstown.”

Overall, Junior Remy Faniello has been leading the team in tackles as an inside linebacker. Offensively, Isaac Pate and Anthony Torres are leading statistically in yards in the backfield. Isaac Pate returned a kickoff last weekend and has two touchdowns so far this season. Anthony Giglio is leading at quarterback, continuing to be successful with every game. Makai Blackstone, a freshman, continues to make a difference on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Seniors Nick Corby and Mike Rizzo have been showing veteran leadership as they are continuously doing an outstanding job in all that they are doing. The team is very dependent on their hard work and support.

This being his first time as head coach, Richards found that while it was a bit difficult to adjust to the additional roles that come with this title, the support of the school district and athletic department, as well as the team, made the whole process a lot easier. Although there is always a transition period with any change similar to this one, the team has been doing a great job adjusting, not only to the new coach but also to his coaching style. Coach Richards said, “They have been responding well and doing everything that they are asked to do.”

The team had to adapt after they lost many seniors last year to graduation who played a bulk of the minutes, but this year’s group has done a nice job in forming that leadership role. Senior captains Mike Rizzo, Nick Corby, Anthony Torres, and junior captain Jon Weaver have exceptionally taken on that role and are leading by example. “They are always looking to pick up guys if they are struggling and are looking to do things the right way.” 

Coach Richards believes that the team’s strengths are predicated on their efforts and how they conduct their day-to-day business on and off the field. Remy Feniello said, “We are a young team with a bright future. This season we're trying to build chemistry and relationships throughout the guys for the upcoming years ahead. I think we are just one step away from something special.”

The coaches have been encouraging the players to try and put their best foot forward every day, preaching that “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Coach Richards is proud of the way that the team continues to respond and continues to fight week in and week out. “We haven’t gotten the results that we’re necessarily looking for just yet but I believe we’re planting the seeds to build something special here!”