SARASOTA (SNN-TV) – The Headmaster’s Cup is on the line yet again tomorrow night when Out-of-Academy and Saint Stephen’s collide at Thunder Stadium. Both teams enter this rivalry match-up 1-1 on the year, after both teams fell last week in their first road games of the season.
A rivalry that has mostly been Saint Stephen’s dominate, has teetered back and forth since the arrival of Rob Hollway as ODA’s head coach. Hollway says a rivalry of like-minded schools with similar enrollments and consistent competitiveness is what’s best for all parties involved.
“Where Saint Stephen’s has historically had some success, we’re starting to get there. I think the face that we’re competitive with them, and continuing to be competitive with them, bringing that rivalry back to where our alumni want, is you know, a great achievement.” – Rob Hollway, ODA Head Coach
Following a 9-1 record last season, starting this year off with a home shutout, the Thunder suffered their first loss last week on the road in Cape Coral to Oasis, 16-7, a game where ODA did not score an offensive touchdown. The Thunder hope to avenge a playoff loss to Saint Stephen’s last season, which led to a Falcons SSAC 5A State Championship. ODA recognizes the talent on AJ Brown’s squad, including his talented nephew
“Saint Stephen’s is always a really well coached team. It’s a rivalry game, so its going to be spirited. There’s no secret about it, they got a really good player at Running Back/Quarterback, Evan Brown.”
A secret no more, Evan Brown rushed for over 1,300 yards last season on 256 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns. This season, Brown taken an even larger role, stepping under center for the Falcons, whose offense needs a spark of energy after scoring only once in last week’s loss on the road in St. Pete to Northside Christian.
One player experiencing this rivalry for the first time is ODA junior and transfer QB Jackson Roth. Jackson found his way to the Suncoast from Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The Thunder signal-caller is eager to get to the action this Friday.
“I’ve been told by [my] coaches and lots of other people that last week against Oasis, and this week against Saint Stephen’s will be our hardest games. I know about the tradition and history, the rivalry against Saint Stephen’s. So, I’m hoping we bring in a good win this week.” – Jackson Roth, ODA QB
Kickoff tomorrow night from Thunder Stadium is set for 7pm.