Faith, family football.
These are what this year's JVB Flyers emphasized throughout the course of their season.
Under head coach Kyle Carroll, the team turned in an impressive 6-3 record, highlighted by a 6-2 mark in league play. The Flyers improved each week and built the toughness, discipline, and chemistry necessary to carry them through a challenging campaign.
"It was a great season," Carroll said. "We improved every week, and as a coach, that's what matters most. What I'm most proud of is how we kept getting tougher - physically and mentally - and found ways to win close games that came down to one possession."
The Flyers' season didn't get off to an easy start. They opened up with a 35-0 loss to Seton Hall Prep - a defeat that could've easily set the tone for a rough year. Instead, it did the opposite. Just one week later, Chaminade went on the road and shut out Xavier, 25-0, demonstrating resilience and giving the team a jolt of confidence.
The true turning point came a few weeks later at Stepinac, as the Flyers edged out a 7-6 victory thanks to a blocked extra point and a timely touchdown before halftime.
"We opened with a strong drive but threw an early interception, and they scored on the ensuing possession," Carroll explained. "Blocking the extra point after that touchdown ended up being the difference. Late in the first half, we stopped Stepinac deep in their own territory, forced a punt, and capitalized with a touchdown and a made extra point. That game built confidence and reinforced the idea that every play matters."
Other notable highlights of the season included the team rolling through Kellenberg, 49-0, beating St. Francis Prep, 14-0, and picking up a key 27-6 victory at Monsignor Farrell.
"The St. Francis Prep game really stood out," reflected Carroll. "They were a very good team, and we had to play a fundamentally sound game on defense. Offensively, we faced challenges that forced both players and coaches to adjust and adapt. We didn't score until about 4:40 left in the game and eventually won, 14-0. It was a great example of situational football and team growth."
The 2025 season wasn't only about results, though. Carroll and his staff made sure each and every loss provided a lesson, whether on or off the field.
"Early losses can be tough to overcome, and if handled the wrong way, they can break a team," Carroll explained. "We made sure to treat every game - including losses - as learning opportunities. We focused on not repeating mistakes and on teaching the players to see the importance of details in everything they do."
The message stuck. Whether it was the starters or the scout team, every player embraced his role and helped the team get better each week.
"Games that allow us to get everyone on the field mean a lot to me," Carroll admitted. "That experience is vital for our program's growth."
Carroll also pointed to his group's commitment as one of his biggest sources of motivation.
"What motivated me the most this year was the consistency and dedication of all 70 players on our freshman team," he reflected. "Whether they were starters, on the scout team, or serving as team managers, they showed up every single day. That kind of commitment is rare."
As the season came to a close, the Flyers proved their success was built on more than just talent. It came from their effort and unity - and Carroll noticed.
"Every season teaches you something new - about the game, your players, and yourself as a coach," he said. "This year reaffirmed the importance of balance: faith, family, football. Building strong relationships, maintaining faith, and keeping perspective are essential for both team success and individual growth. The football season can be long and demanding, but when you keep those priorities aligned, it keeps everyone grounded, motivated, and united. "
The 2025 JVB Flyers weren't just a team learning how to win; they also learned how to grow. They started the year trying to find their footing, and ended it playing with confidence, heart, and pride.
Their 6-3 record tells part of the story, but not the entire one. Their growth tells the rest.