St. Thomas Aquinas College Sprint Football returns for the 2021 campaign, with a retooled roster and high expectations, as the team hits the gridiron for their third full season in the Collegiate Sprint Football League.
Following the cancelation of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spartans were able to briefly return to the field for spring practice sessions and an exhibition contest with Caldwell University in late April, which the Cougars won 21-0.
In the program’s second year, Head Coach Matt Barry again lead the Spartans to a 2-4 record, with wins against both Cornell University (39-19) and Post University (13-9). The 2021 edition of the Spartans looks to build upon the good habits and hardwork put in during training camp, and take the next steps toward a CSFL postseason berth.
On offense, the Spartans return key players Kiel McKenzie (QB), Nickolson Francois (WR/TE), Elizah Gordon (RB), Mahki Matthews (WR), Matthew Ehret (WR), James DeJesus (OT), Dylan Schneider (OL), Ali Ajaz (LT) and Chris Guerci (LS).
Defensively, Tyreke Smith (DE), Shane Lucier II (OLB), Sheriffh Bittaye (SS), Malik Bennett (OLB), Rawle Prentice (SS), Angelo Medina (LB) and Malik Lucas (LB) return as the defensive core for the maroon and gold.
Kiel McKenzie, (Hon. Mention), Tyreke Smith (2nd TM), Sheriffh Bittaye (Hon. Mention) and Ali Ajaz (2nd TM) received All-CSFL honors in 2019 for their outstanding play.
As 16 familiar faces from 2019 return to Sparkill this season, Head Coach Matt Barry and his staff have added 42 new athletes to the mix through very robust recruiting efforts over the last 18 months.
Speaking of Matt Barry, he will be returning for his fourth season at the helm of Spartan Football Program. Assistant Coaches Ryan Tobin (Defensive Coordinator), John Muldoon (Cornerbacks), Matthew Joseph Barry (Defense and Special Teams) return to the staff, along with Head Equipment Manager Keith Teneyck and Student Manager Matt Sullivan. New additions Ron Mathis (Running Backs), Kervins Ferdilus (Offensive Line), Terrance Sanders (Defensive Line), Dalton Newbury (Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties) and Mike Milich (Quality Control) will look to help improve the positions and players that they have been tasked to mentor.
The Spartans will open their 2021 CSFL schedule on Saturday, September 18th against United States Naval Academy at the Torne Valley Sports Complex in Hillburn, NY. Opening kickoff is set for 1pm.
Other scheduled matchups for the new season include home contests against Alderson Broaddus University (Oct. 2/1pm), Mansfield University (Oct. 8/7pm) and Chestnut Hill College (Nov. 6/1pm). STAC hits the road for matchups with Caldwell University (Sept. 24/7pm), Cornell University (Oct. 16/3pm) and the United States Military Academy at West Point (Oct. 22/7pm).