Step Cannusio ’16, Kyle Sacchetta ’16: Episcopal Academy Football plays The Haverford School in a cutthroat game on EA/Haverford Day that has been the hallmark of the team’s season for years. The team practices day in and day out thinking about the challenge that awaits them at the end of the season. Senior captain, Jake Martillotti ’15 has certainly prepared for this game. He and his teammates have practiced hard with full intention of coming out with a win. When asked how the team has prepared for this game, Martillotti said, “We have put hours of preparation into studying film, while at the same time prepared physically on the field with hard work and determination.” The important reputation that this single game carries with it empowers this hard work and determination that Martillotti and his team possess.
Photo courtesy of Sammi Ciardi ’15
When asked what this game means to the Churchmen, Martillotti responded by stating, “It’s going to be a time filled with emotion and coming out with a win would be the perfect closing to not only an incredible year, but also an incredible career at the Episcopal Academy.” In the past few years, many have discussed the difficulties of playing away at the Haverford campus, and how this affects their mentality and their overall performance. So far this season, the team has had a 2-1 record when playing on the road. When asked how playing away will affect the team’s performance, Martillotti answered, “We know that going to a different environment will be tough, but we also know that the EA community will be backing us up that day and will come out with strong support as they have done so for so many years.”
The players on this team consider themselves to be part of a brotherhood. It starts with the seniors and the incredible leadership they possess. When asked about how the role of seniors has affected the team this year, junior wide receiver, Christian Feliziani ’16, responded, “This team has great leadership, especially from the seniors, which creates unity throughout the team. It causes us to play even better.” Feliziani also added, “This tradition is one of the biggest in all of EA, and it makes it even better when Episcopal comes out with a win. We hope the entire community comes out to support.”