Sullivan Ushers In A New Era Of Success

After advancing to the state semifinals in 2022, the Eagles plan to continue their success for this upcoming season

By Wyatt Hardy

The Sullivan Eagles football team is prepared for the 2023 season. They plan to continue a strong work ethic and heavy presence on the field for both sides of the ball.

They currently boast a roster of 65 players. Notable changes include Robert York II taking the reins as the new starting quarterback, several seniors stepping into more significant roles and adjustments being made to the receiving and secondary units.

Fourth-year head coach Eddie Haar aims to lead the Eagles to another deep playoff run after their impressive 2022 performance, where they advanced to the state semifinals for the first time in fourteen years, finishing with an 11-3 record. Despite the loss in the semifinals, the team’s miraculous postseason run reignited the spirit of Friday night lights in Sullivan.

Several seniors have graduated including starting quarterback Gabe Dace, which junior York will replace for this upcoming year. He showed great potential at the Gridiron Classic, displaying his skills as a dual-threat athlete.

Seniors Gavin Dace, Sam Summers, Ben Brendel, Jordan Rice, Ethan Hays, Kayden Bryan, Levi Rodgers and Jonathan Martin have also left. According to Haar, the most important changes in the roster will occur in the positions that these seniors held.

He plans to utilize the incoming senior class the most, claiming that they will “take big leadership roles this year.” This includes Franky Erxleben, Dominic Ransom, Curtis Rall, Jeremiah Rodriguez, Colton Brendel, Aidan Cain, Dayton Skaggs, Cayden Thacker and Micah Summers, who will all play crucial roles.

Erxleben had a spectacular 2022 season, making a team-high of 15 touchdowns and 1352  yards as a running back. He was a touchdown powerhouse who could trample through defenders and tacklers.

Ransom made a significant impact on defense, catching a team-high 5 interceptions and making 38 tackles. Another great defensive back, Rall dominated the field as well.

Rodriguez, known as “J-Rod,” was an amazing running back and linebacker who was tough to bring down.

Brendel was also a versatile linebacker who made 38 tackles and 2 interceptions.

Other fierce linebackers included Cain and Skaggs, while Thacker and Summers stood out as powerful offensive/defensive linemen.

Promising up-and-coming players include sophomore Chase Blue, who asserts dominance as a rusher in the Gridiron Classic and junior running back Benjamin Goly, who can easily find gaps through defensive lines. With so much improving old-and-new talent, the Eagles have a lot to look forward to in 2023.

Despite a rebuilt roster in certain areas, the objectives for this season are the same as previously. “Great effort and execution in everything we do and not to get complacent with anything we do,” are the goals listed by Haar for this year.

Sullivan has put in a lot of effort this summer, participating in numerous practices, camps and scrimmages. Haar mentioned that during the off-season, the Eagles have “really been focusing on being consistent both on offense and defense.”

The team struck gold last year. They understand that maintaining a high-quality running game and pass rush will once again lead them to success.

Haar has high hopes for another great season, stating, “We expect to be at the top of the conference and district and make another deep playoff run and we are working very hard to make that happen.”

The football jamboree on Aug. 18 at the Sullivan High School turf field will be the final scrimmage for the Eagles. Their season opener is scheduled for Aug. 25 against Northwest and their first home matchup will be on Thursday, Aug. 31 against De Soto.