Red Flash Football Team Focuses On 2007 Season
After Annual Media Day
LORETTO, Pa. (Aug. 21, 2007) – The Saint Francis Red Flash football team held its annual luncheon / media day to kick off the 2007 season at the John F. Kennedy Center at Noon on Tuesday. Several television, radio and newspaper representatives from the region were in attendance to meet head coach Dave Opfar and four key returning players: Anthony Richards (RB), Brandon Bishop (TE), Antawn Coleman (DB), and Fehi Sevelo (DL).
After lunch concluded, Opfar punctually took over and delivered an optimistic outlook for the 2007 Red Flash football season.
“There is an energy I’ve never seen in this football team,” Opfar exclaimed. “They will run into some trying times this season and make some mistakes, but this is the most tightly knit, unique group of football players I’ve ever coached here. It’s also the strongest, most physical team we’ve ever had here at Saint Francis.”
Opfar went on to proclaim, “This is the most successful group Saint Francis football will have ever seen.”
After delivering his opening remarks about the 2007 Red Flash squadron, Opfar answered some questions from members of the media. Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of the Red Flash this year is the absence of SFU’s record-breaking quarterback, Anthony Doria.
Opfar responded by stating, “When you lose a quarterback of Anthony’s caliber, you just have to prepare. We will be ready. This season’s starting signal-caller, George Little, has been present in all of our meetings and been under the tutelage of Anthony the past two seasons. With a solidified running game, as well as more depth at many other positions, George will be well protected. George possesses a much more mobile style of play, as well as a very strong arm.”
The Red Flash will have 15 returning starters who hope to improve upon 2006’s record of 3-8. Saint Francis’s current career leader in tackles (182), Fehi Sevelo, will anchor a defense that is predicted to have a very promising season. Junior Antoine Rivera, the 2006 Northeast Conference leader with 17.1 yards per catch, will certainly be utilized by QB George Little. Senior placekicker Adam Sciulli, owner of the school record in field goal percentage, will also add some assurance in the red zone.
The Saint Francis football team opens their 10-game schedule on September 8th against Morehead State at home on DeGol Field with a 1:00 pm kickoff time. The Red Flash will play five home and five road contests.
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Quotes from Coach Dave Opfar and his players:
Dave Opfar:
When asked about the loss of Luke Palko and Anthony Doria:
“Each class that comes in wants to make the program better which enhances everything. We, as a coaching staff, haven’t had to voice our opinions much because the guys on the team have taken over that role. Leadership is coming from everyone; from our seniors all the way down to the incoming freshmen.”
When asked about this year’s recruiting class:
“These days, the recruiting landscape has changed. Kids these days are looking for great facilities and a chance to win. We have been able to sell those points with the construction of our new field house and the steps we’ve made in terms of our competitive edge. We also sell the uniqueness of Saint Francis, in addition to the faculty and community feeling we have here. We must sell the intangibles to improve our university as a whole, but everything else in regards to football is a great selling point as well.”
When asked about the state of the program and how he feels about moral victories:
“This is a huge year for us. If we beat teams like Wagner or Robert Morris, we can look back on this season as an epic stepping stone. It’s up to the players. They must step up and face the adversity. Moral victories are out. If we take care of the little things on the field, everything else should fall into place.”
Anthony Richards (Senior Tailback):
When asked about his thoughts on the chances of having a winning season:
“We can do it. We have everything. Offense. Defense. Special Teams. The coaches have given us the tools, now we just have to go out and execute. It’s all up to us. We are all in the mind frame of a successful season.”
When asked about the offensive line:
“We do have some young guys stepping in at starting roles, but for the most part, they are a unit of one and I believe in them. I promised to take them to Outback Steakhouse, too.”
Brandon Bishop (Senior Tight End):
When asked about if he believes the Red Flash can win every Saturday and not just go out and compete well:
“We have the attitude to win. If you’re a competitor; that’s the way it has to be. We have to put it all together and take it one day at a time.”
When asked about the offensive departures from last season:
“Practice is definitely a lot different – but in a good way. With the loss of those guys, it will make this year’s team a lot better. We will be a lot less predictable of a team, as well.”
Fehi Sevelo (Senior Defensive End)”
When asked about how the landscape has changed at SFU and telling people you play football there:
“I have always been proud to be a football player at Saint Francis. I am proud to say that I am a brother of all the other members who have played here for four years. It feels great to be a senior for the Red Flash.”
Antawn Coleman (Senior Free Safety):
When asked about the importance of winning the 1st game:
“A victory for the first game is always a great confidence boost. It is important to get off to a fast start to show we can compete every week. As far as execution on gameday, it’s all up to us. The coaches can only do so much. Everyday, we’re developing more and more chemistry as a unit.”