They’re not exactly “unsung” heroes. Football fans all around Connecticut are talking about the Staples High School football team.
The Wreckers earned their 4th state championship in school history — and first since 2005 — on Saturday night. It was a thrilling, come-from-behind, saved-in-the-last seconds 21-20 victory over an excellent West Haven team.
It not only won the “LL” (extra large schools) title; it avenged the Westporters’ only loss all year, the 33-22 season opener that provided motivation and a fresh focus for the next 3 months.
But what’s “unsung” about Staples’ inspiring win is the way it was accomplished.
It was a true team effort. From the guys who get all the glory — record-setting quarterback Caleb Smith and his receivers — to the players who get very little, like the offensive and defensive lines, plus the reserves who see hardly any time but work just as hard, every day, to help the starters get better: All earned their “state champion” title.
They did it with hours, weeks and months of off-the-field work, in the weight room and film room.
The formal view of the Staples High School football team …
And they did it by pursuing a dream they had when they were little kids. Many grew up playing Westport PAL football. The seeds were planted then, tended by dedicated coaches who should take great pride in the end product.
The Staples coaching staff took what they were given, and made it their own. Head coach Adam Behrends amassed a strong group of assistants. Each had a specific job. Each did it quite well. And all worked well together, as a tight coaching unit.
The other unsung heroes are the parents. For years they chauffeured their kids to games. They sat in the stands through all kinds of weather and all kinds of results, exulting in their sons’ joy and suffering through the inevitable down times.
This being football, the parents have had their share of scary moments too, when their sons took a little too much time getting up after a hit.
But it all came together Saturday evening in New Britain.
Congratulations to the Staples football team. Whether sung or unsung, they’re this week’s Westport heroes.
… and the more memorable one. (Photo/Stafford Thomas Jr.)
(Every Wednesday, “06880” honors Westport heroes. If you like this weekly feature — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
This is a massive and incredible championship. The coaching staff has changed the lives of so many Staples highschoolers. The lessons learned in the locker room around team, overcoming adversity, and delivering your very best, started with spring and summer training, a program workout supporting and giving back to Veterans and ended with their finding the 1 point to win a championship for one of the best academic, athletic and artistic schools in the state. This is a courageous and emphatic win for everybody in our community. Bless this coaching staff of the entire program 9th-12th for this winning culture they created!