David Cook
Sports Scene
Over the years, the Traverse City St. Francis football team has been one of the premier programs in Division 7 football. This year, the Gladiators are back among the best in the state in Division 7.
St. Francis opened the season with wins in five of their first six games. The Gladiators are also ranked seventh in the state in total playoff points in Division 7.
As usual, St. Francis plays a rugged schedule. This season the Gladiators defeated Lawton 31-14 and fell to Berrien Springs 28-14 in big non-league games and still has a matchup with defending Division 7 champion Jackson Lumen Christi coming up. St. Francis is a perfect 3-0 in the conference.
St. Francis is averaging 42.7 points per game with powerful ground game leading the way along with the ability to strike through the air. The Gladiators spread the ball around as Cam Sellers, Evan Belanger, Harrison Shepherd and Braxton Lesinski are among the top rushers on the squad. Up front, the offensive line is led by seniors Beau Belanger, Garrett Gillespie, Warren Asher and Benjamin De Carolis along with junior Zack Winowiecki.
St. Francis also has a solid defense that is allowing 16.2 points per game. Among the standouts on defense are senior linebackers Eli Biggar and Matthew Rialson, junior linebackers Michael Frederick and Evan Belanger and senior defensive back Harrison Shepherd.
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