Editor’s Note: The last time SLUH Varsity Football faced Rockhurst High School was the State Final in 1983. The Prep News wrote the following article on the narrow defeat.

The 1983 Varsity Football season will not be one easily forgotten. Even Coach Martell admits that his goal at the beginning of the season was a .500 record . Truly, the Jr. Bills' 9-4 record and state semifinalist finish could attest to the dedication and desire which led them to a great year.

Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Rockhurst could not tarnish these accomplishments. 

“I thought we were the better team," said Mike McDaniel. "It could have gone the other way.” The Hawklets controlled the first quarter of the game, taking a 7-0 lead on a Kendall Smith touchdown reception. SLUH rebounded in the second quarter when two Bill Morris catches set up a 1 yard Kevin Fitzgerald TD plunge. The first half ended in a 7-7 deadlock. 

The two squads battled to a stalemate throughout the third quarter. Finally, Tom Llewellyn completions to Morris and Mike Martin propelled the offense deep into Rockhurst territory. The Jr. Bills could not find the end zone – a failure which would later prove fatal – and settled for Jeff Hummel's 21 yard field goal with 5:54 remaining in the game. 

“We were in the position where we should have won,” commented Coach Martel. 

However, ahead 10-7, SLUH let Rockhurst come back. The Hawklets overcame two 15 yard penalties to score the winning touchdown. The scoring play – a “fluke” according to several players – covered 54 yards. An underthrown pass caused defensive back Mike Noble, despite good coverage, to slip. Smith then came back to catch the ball and raced into the end zone. 

“lt could have happened to anybody,” said Mike McDaniel. 

SLUH had two more possessions, but could not score. 

“They got most of the breaks,” explained Morris, who grabbed 6 passes for 132 yards.  “We got some breaks, but could not capitalize.”

“Things meshed really well,” Coach Martel overviewed the season. “Getting off to the good start (4-0) was a big help. Our concentration was better towards the end of the year.” 

Coach Martel added that he thought the squad began to peak in the CBC game, a 22-0 SLUH victory. “The defense really tightened up,” he explained.

Certainly the two playoff victories, 21-0 over Vianney and 25-14 over Columbia Hickman, highlighted the year. Other key victories included an earlier 10-7 thumping of the Griffins, a 20-0 shutout of Ladue, and a 34-22 romp over De Smet.

SLUH’s passing attack, led by quarterback Tom Llewellyn and ends Bill Morris and Mike Martin, was a key to the success of the season. The offensive line of Mike Sullivan, Baron Ross, Mike McDaniel, Frank Jedlicka, and Matt Herzberg in addition to its strong pass blocking, opened large holes for backs Mike McAuliffe, Kevin Fitzgerald, Mike Crimmins, and Gil Beckemeier. 

The defensive line really began to dominate near the end of the season. Jeff Hummel, Matt Herzberg, Bob Miller, Mark Michalski, and Baron Ross led the defense. Behind them was the strong play of linebackers Kevin Fitzgerald and Pete Keenan. Finally, the hard-hitting defensive backfield of Matt McGinn, Paul Lochner, Mike Martin, and Mike Noble provided solid pass coverage. 

The 1983 Varsity Football team will be remembered for its heart, desire, and hard work. The Prep News congratulates the Footbills for a memorable season.