Versatile and New Football Claims Northern New England Title
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ebron’s first 8-Man Football team claimed a conference title when it defeated Kents Hill 22-6 in the 111th ‘Chair Game’ of the rivalry which dates to 1893. The win was the culmination of a season of learning and innovation as Hebron embraced the new format developing among New England independent schools seeking to sustain football in their programs. From one perspective, the team’s 5 and 2 season was yet another in a great tradition of football at Hebron; from another it was something entirely new, a glimpse of the future. Coach Tom Radulski and Captains Jack Kelley ’20 and Andrew Airosus ’20 took time to talk about the season and the new format. Football has become increasingly difficult to sustain at many schools where changing demographics and concerns for safety have reduced the number of athletes choosing to play. Hebron had considered the move for two years. When the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) sanctioned the format and created the New England 8-Man Football Conference this year, the change just made sense for Hebron. After a winless season last year, the new format offered the chance to compete successfully with the numbers of players typically choosing football. “It was the right fit for us,” said Coach Radulski, “but nonetheless, the prospects were unclear.” 8-Man Football is played on a smaller field. The games are more fastpaced than the traditional game, and the field and format tend to emphasize athleticism over brawn among the players. Jack Kelley, who has grown up in traditional football from youth leagues to high school, comments that the game was “more similar than I thought; I became a more versatile quarterback as I learned to use my legs.” Andrew Airosus, who also grew up playing the 11-man format both offensively and defensively, agreed. “It is a really fast-paced game; the action is continuous. I worked
18 • hebron • SPRING 2020
