FIELD CONQUERORS. The Sullivan football team finished 2023 with an 8-3 record, giving a tough fight against any opponent they faced off against. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF. Head coach Eddie Haar gives the play call to quarterback Robert York II (3) in their battle against St. Clair on Sep. 15. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
ERXLEBEN DIVES FOR SUCCESS. In 2023, Frankly Erxleben (27) led the Eagles with 19 touchdowns, 118 points and 1619 rushing yards. Photo by Extra Innings Photography
Football Capped Off Action-Packed Season At Districts
Sullivan’s football team finished their 8-3 season at the Class 4 District 2 Championship against Pacific on Nov. 10. The Eagles came into the season with high aspirations after making it to the state semifinals the previous year. They aimed to push even further in 2023 but could not claim a second consecutive district title. Despite this, Sullivan had an exciting season with many action-packed matchups and dominating victories.
Head coach Eddie Haar is proud of his group for pulling off another great season and his seniors for setting a high standard for the Eagles. “These seniors have meant a lot to us and our program the last four years. Hopefully, they understand the value of the team and just how far hard work can take you,” Haar stated. “You know, most of them being two- and three-year starters and getting to play in back-to-back district championships, getting a conference championship, making it to the semifinals, they have definitely set the bar high for our program and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”
One of the seniors who helped raise that bar was Franky Erxleben, who was chosen as the Four Rivers Conference offensive player of the year, 1st-team running back and received an honorable mention for linebacker in 2023. He led the Eagles with 19 touchdowns, 118 points, 1619 rushing yards and 1728 overall. He also had 109 receiving yards on 11 catches and two touchdown receptions.
2024 graduates Dayton Skaggs and Colton Brendel were selected for 1st-team linebacker positions, along with Rhett Cox, who was recognized as an offensive lineman. Other seniors, Kane Strehl and Jeremiah Rodriguez earned 2nd-team defensive line honors alongside Dominic Ransom for the defensive back position.
Junior Robert York II received honors for 2nd-team quarterback. He threw for 1220 passing yards for 17 touchdowns with a 54.13% completion rate and a 124 passer rating. He was also a dynamic scrambler who gained 442 rushing yards and ran for five touchdowns.
Junior Seth Valley made 1st-team as a wide receiver and defensive back. On offense, he tallied a team-high 589 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Junior Nolan Center received 2nd-team honors as an offensive lineman.
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