Memorable Moments of a Memorable Season

Coming from an average 5-3 regular season record, the 2016 BSM boys’ football team is known for their state championship win. With the electric plays and the way the fans rallied around the team, there wasn’t a dull moment. Although many people may only remember the final score, the players, parents, coaches, and fans will remember the events that highlight the season.

Pre-Championship:

Eric Wilson, 2016 Captain: “To me, the most memorable moment from that championship season was not something that happened on the field, but rather the moment when a lot of us bleached our hair before the state playoffs. Doing this was what really made me feel like we had come together as a tight-knit group of guys. Because even though people could have been self-conscious about looking odd for the next few months with bleached hair, a lot of the players put those concerns aside and made it a great bonding experience.”

Ricky Floyd, 2016 Running Back: “The most memorable moment of the season was hurdling my defender on a late throw from Tommy Anderson. The ball stayed in the air for a bit. I caught it and noticed I had a good amount of distance from him: about 15 yards. As I was running down our team’s sideline I started slowing down so I could time the jump right, while I was in the air I could see my teammates in awe and when I came down I just kept running.”

Joe Marinaro, 2016 Running Back and Linebacker: “Also playing Scout Team D in practice every day with Michael Schmitt, Owen Brown, and Max Byzewski was so much fun. Also playing Scout Team D in practice every day with Michael Schmitt, Owen Brown, and Max Byzewski was so much fun.”

Elijah Brown, 2016 Freshman Lineman: “Being able to be apart of the football family, and being hit by Eric Wilson in practice made me feel apart of the team and apart of the family.”

Mark Whitmore, Parent and 2016 Booster Club President: “The whole build-up to the state game was all about Ricky because he was spectacular, and the second play of the game he got hurt and separated his shoulder, so the whole game plan changed.”  

The Championship:

Shay Kinney, 2019 Graduate: “Right after winning really. I just remember the whole team going for the trophy and us going absolutely wild. Hugging and a few tears here and there. It was really surreal.”

John Whitmore, 2016 Sophomore Starter: “I remember my pick 6 that I had and Liam Ford’s touchdown run.” 

Pat Krieger, 2016 Co-Head Coach: “Championship game, when we intercepted the ball that sealed the game. That moment stood out because the other team had a chance of winning so once we had the ball it was like a moment of relief. 31-28.”

Sedona Brown, 2016 Manager: “The other team had the ball, and there wasn’t much time left in the last quarter so we needed a stop. The quarterback had thrown the ball and one of the defensive backs at the time read the play and intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. It was in that moment that we all knew that we had just won the first-ever championship in BSM football history.”

Mark Whitmore, Parent and 2016 Booster Club President: “My most vivid memory was the kids running out on the field after it was over.”

John Landry, 2016 Wide Reciever: “My favorite moment was winning but ultimately the way we were able to battle when things didn’t go our way was really cool.”

Pat Kalb, 2016 Defensive Lineman: “My favorite memory was when Braden Fitzgerald made a huge hit on the QB during a scramble, the whole crowd went, ‘Ooooooo.'”

John Hanks, 2016 Co-Head Coach: “When Liam Ford stepped in and scored two TDs, most memorable moment was when he scored the 27-yard touchdown.”

George Wolfe, 2016 Linebacker: “The Liam Ford touchdown run after Ricky got hurt showed we can stay in the game and compete” 

Ricky Floyd, 2016 Running Back: “The most memorable moment for me was when Liam Ford got the game-sealing pick and our team going crazy on the sidelines. That was when we knew we had done it.”

After the Championship:

Joe Marinaro, 2016 Running Back and Linebacker: “The locker rooms before and after the games (especially in US Bank) were electric.”

Noah Layton, 2016 Defensive Lineman: “My favorite memory was celebrating with the other freshman in the locker room after we won.” 

Joe Creer, 2016 Assistant Coach:  “It was so cool to look up in the bleachers behind you and see all the players you’ve ever coached cheering for you, and we couldn’t have done it without them. They taught us what we needed to do to be state-winning coaches.”

Jerry Pettinger, Athletic Director: “There was a great BSM crowd, lots of red and white, lots of alums. The players were composed before the game and serious, but after, it was a crazy celebration.”

Bill Cheney, 2016 Team Statistician: “I think the most memorable moment was the moments after the game, sprinting to the elevator and meeting the players on the field to celebrate. Seeing so many young adults reach this historic goal, and knowing they did it for each other, not for themselves was a powerful moment. The hugs and conversations on that field are moments I’ll never forget––couldn’t have happened to a better group of kids.”