By Emma Moriarty

Julius Caesar once said, “Veni, vidi, vici.” For those who did not decide freshman year to put themselves through another two years of Latin, this quote means “I came, I saw, I conquered.” This quote relates to a recent “conquering” by the Tempe Preparatory Academy football team. The football team did exactly what Caesar did (minus the killing people part) when they slaughtered (synecdoche, not reality) both Kingman Academy and Joy Christian in round one of the playoffs and quarterfinals, and then defeated Arizona Lutheran Academy this past Saturday in the semifinals.

The No. 2 Knights now head to the Division V finals against No. 1 Yuma Catholic this Saturday, Nov. 29.

On Nov. 8 Tempe Prep went against Kingman Academy, kicking off the playoff season. Tempe Prep won with a mighty score of 49-0, beginning the upward spiral to the finals. On Nov. 15 our home team faced Joy Christian, making a comeback during the third quarter and winning 28-19.

The football team also had a great success at their playoff game this past Saturday against Arizona Lutheran Academy with a score of 14-6. Maria Zello says, “It was a very exciting game! Our team was losing at first but we persevered through the first and second quarters. It was amazing how ALA was favored to win but in the end how Tempe Prep pulled through and made an awesome comeback in the second half of the game!”

Their recent victories show how truly dedicated the TPA football team is and how all of their hard work is paying off.

When asked why the football team is important for young athletes, Coach Brittian says,” The most important part of football, in terms of its greater significance in the lives of young men, is the way in which it cultivates heroic virtue in a generation of American children. Football simplifies a young man’s life with something that is neither illusory, like x-box, nor pernicious, like the internet. It gives them the opportunity to be physically and mentally challenged in ways no other sport can challenge them. It fosters friendships that will stand the test of time. It promotes sacrifice and courage. It is the greatest ally for any school that claims to promote virtue in the young men entrusted into its care.”

(Photos are of the Knights’ playoff victory over Kingman Academy.)