"There are no individuals more important than the team."

This mantra by Chaminade head coach Kyle Carroll has defined the Chaminade JVB Flyers football team through the opening month of the 2025 season. 

The emphasis for this new batch of freshmen who will run through the Chaminade football pipeline has been on learning the game, building discipline, and embracing the culture of effort and accountability that has been the foundation of the prestigious program.

The Flyers began their season with a showdown on the road against Seton Hall Prep on September 6. The Pirates, who are one of New Jersey's most respected programs, showcased their depth in a 35-0 triumph. For Carroll and the rest of his staff, it was more about the experience than the result. 

"The game presented plenty of adversity, which will serve as a valuable foundation for our season," said Carroll. "It challenged our players, exposed them to a higher level of competition, and highlighted the standard we must continue to strive for in order to achieve long-term success."

That standard began to take shape just a week later when the Flyers traveled to Aviator Sports Complex to face Xavier. Chaminade flipped the script from the previous week and controlled the game, leading to a 25-0 win.

The Flyers' relentless defense was headlined by a 90-yard pick six that electrified the Chaminade sideline. On the other side of the ball, the offense found its footing through the ground game, running the ball consistently and producing three touchdowns. 

"Defensively, the group relied on each other to earn a shutout," reflected Carroll. "Behind the offensive line, the run game paved the way." 

Returning home on September 20, the Flyers faced a marquee challenge in St. Anthony's. Despite a slow start, the Friars demonstrated their offensive firepower and pulled away for a 35-0 victory on Ott Field. Though disappointed by the defeat, the game allowed the Flyers to measure themselves against one of their best CHSFL opponents. 

In Week 4, the Flyers delivered their best performance of the young season, putting on a show in defeating Kellenberg on Ott Field, 49-0. This was a complete team victory, with both sides of the ball showing out to deliver their second shutout in three weeks.

Thomas Keane and Ryan Coscia dominated on defense, and Joseph Lentini added an interception to get both the crowd and sideline going. 

For Carroll, the win reflected the culture he's emphasized since the squad's first practice:

"Effort and teamwork are our trademarks - The Team, The Team, The Team!"

Both Jared Jackson and Salvatore Alessio received praise from numerous teammates for their rushing touchdowns and efforts on the ground, a key to the huge victory. 

Through their first month of play, the Flyers' identity has come into a sharper focus. For example, there is little question that a deep running back room has been vital for the Flyers, but Carroll stressed the ultimate goal: "Our objective is growth - growing together as a team, as students at Chaminade, and as individuals."

Leadership has begun to emerge from within the roster. Carroll listed players such as Ryan Bardak, Dylan Dogmanits, Gabriel Seabrooks, Jack Devlin, Aidan Christmas, Colin Donaghy, Anthony Moore, and Jackson as players who deserve praise for their consistency and work ethic thus far.

However, Carroll also emphasized that leadership runs deeper than a handful of names. 

"One of the greatest strengths of this freshman team is that leadership doesn't just come from a few," he said. "It is reflected in the collective effort, accountability, and unity from across the entire locker room."

For some players, this season marks their first time playing organized football, while others arrived with many years of experience. This mix creates both opportunities and challenges. 

"As coaches, our responsibility is twofold," Carroll explained. "Teach the fundamentals of football and prepare the team to execute effectively in all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams." 

The coaching staff has certainly made steady progress in blending those three facets and different experience levels into one cohesive, effective unit. 

At 2-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, the Flyers have demonstrated resilience and growth. 

"Freshman football is the foundation of the Chaminade pipeline," said Carroll. "It gives freshmen valuable reps while instilling the culture and expectations of the program."

October brings matchups against Archbishop Stepinac, St. Francis Prep, Iona Prep, Monsignor Farrell, and St. Joe's by the Sea. A month in, the Flyers have exhibited toughness, unity, and a commitment to growth.

From the setbacks against elite programs to statement wins against Xavier and Kellenberg, this group is steadily beginning to take flight.