New blood boosts Eagles

Culver Academy looks for sixth straight win
HS FOOTBALL

By MATT KOPSEA
Tribune Staff Writer 

Less has resulted in more success for the Culver Academy football team.

Despite having just 16 returning letter winners from last season's squad, the Eagles (6-2) have rolled off five straight wins for the first time since 1986.

Already assured of its first winning regular season since 1992, Culver Academy can equal its longest winning streak since 1963 with a victory over Fairfield this Friday.

"I have been extremely pleased with the leadership our senior class has provided," said Culver Academy coach Andy Dorrel. "Since we didn't have a lot of experience coming back, the development of our younger players has also played a major part in our success."

Providing the necessary boost to the Eagles have been senior quarterback Garrett Gish and classmate Bobby Rodriguez at running back.

Others supplying contributions out of the backfield have been junior Mabaje Erinkitola, sophomore Jeremy Schmidt, and freshman Neven Fingerhut.

The biggest surprise, though, might be the development of senior Jack Parchman, who has become the team's leading receiver after switching from quarterback.

"We made a commitment early in the year to go with Garrett at quarterback and his competitiveness has transcended throughout the entire team," said Dorrel. "This group has started molding into a solid unit with a perfect example of the true team spirit being exhibited by the unselfishness of Parchman."

While the offense has produced 157 points over the last five weeks, the defensive unit, anchored by safeties Gish and Parchman, has been equally impressive, allowing just four touchdowns and 29 total points.