Spring Ford enjoyed a great season last fall in the limited opportunities they had on the field due to COVID-19 restrictions, finishing 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the PAC. The Rams hope to continue that dominance going into this year. 

The great news for the Rams and their fans is that a full schedule with a PAC Championship returns this fall, as the Rams hope to experience a more typical season. 

A very crucial component of high school football games will also gladly make its return as Spring Ford will allow students back in the stands this fall. The student section, the Homecoming game, and the overall energy that a community brings to watch the Rams play will be a welcome site.

“We are excited to have the community back in the stands,” Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker said. 

The Rams will need to replace some senior talent who graduated, especially top contributors Nick Teets, Nate Capers, and Kyle Kennedy. The Rams still have tons of talent throughout the team, though, and their potential puts the Rams at a top spot to go for another PAC championship this season. 

Ryan Freed, Zach Zollers, and Ian Harvey are some of the top returning players from last season in addition to the many other Rams who have had big offseasons and improved going into the year. Offensively, quarterback Freed and the receiving core of Kolten Kqira, Payton West, and Carson Bogdan will be key. 

Defensively, tackles Donnie Nicoline and Gavin Shafer, as well as linebacker Ryan Horvath and safety Cole Turner will play big roles. The defensive line seems to be a particular strength, where pressure on the quarterback from lineman Nicoline and Shafer, alongside linebacker Horvath, should be enough to stifle opposing offenses in the trenches.

In the early start to the season, the Rams (2-1) have impressed with 44-0 and 48-0 wins over West Chester East and Chambersburg, respectively. They unfortunately dropped a tough contest against Cumberland Valley on Sept. 10, falling 23-19 after holding a late lead in the fourth quarter. The Rams open their PAC play with a trip to Perkiomen Valley on Friday, Sept. 24. 

A PAC championship is surely achievable with this talented squad.