MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — Mount Carmel Area looks to start this season fast and furious. The Red Tornadoes had a bad taste in their mouths, with a loss to Southern Columbia that cut their playoff run short. The team setting a high bar for themselves this year.
"I think that's that, that put like a chip on our shoulder this year. We're not losing this year. We want to come hunger, we're coming hungry with high intensity. We're excited for this year," said Luke Blessing.
"We haven't gotten over that hump in a while, for a district championship. A lot of people doubt us when it comes to that because they say once we get there, we just can't win that. So this year, our goal is to win that game," said Al Bailey.
Head Coach John Darrah is pleased to see that passion in his team, because the Mount Carmel schedule looks a little different.
"Moving up to AAA and we're division two this year, so some new teams on the schedule, some bigger schools. We always have our traditional rivals and we start right off the bat in week one with North Schuylkill," Darrah said.
Mount Carmel is returning a good core of seniors this season and that veteran leadership will be key to help a new starting quarterback this season.
"We have Gavin Marshalek at quarterback. It's going to be his first year fully starting, but we all have great expectations for him. We know he's going to be a stud," said Noah Shimko.
The Red Tornadoes have faith in the players who will put up the points, but are most excited about the ones who will prevent them.
"Our defense is very tough. We've returned a lot of guys, our line's huge, just move mass up front, be able to do whatever we want," Bailey said.
"We have a lot of depth coming. We have a good young group too, like our defense is gonna be real good this year, our team has a chance to be very dangerous this year. Go on a big run like we have a chance to be real good this year," said Matthew Balichik.
Super 16 Team #4.. the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes.