At 6 p.m., Archbishop Carroll faces off against New Hope-Solebury High School to kick off the first round of the PIAA 3A State Playoffs. The game will take place at Cardinal O’Hara.

Last week, Archbishop Carroll lost to Neumann-Goretti in a state-playoff-qualifying game. Neumann-Goretti was set to advance to the first round of states and Carroll was going to miss out on a chance at a state championship. 

That was until Neumann-Goretti had their season suspended for the second time after having a player test positive for COVID-19. By default, Carroll took Neumann’s place in the playoffs, giving the Patriots some “new hope.”

Neumann-Goretti was very upset about having its season come to a  halt once again, this time for good. Neumann-Goretti senior defensive end Solo Bombara said he had been very excited for the game against New Hope. 

“All the energy at practice was very high and tense enough to get our teammates ready for the weekend’s game,” he said. “Our coaches repeatedly told us that anyone in front of us has to get out of the way and keeping that mindset was the only way to beat everyone that we played. We were more than ready to show that to New Hope.”

Carroll is making sure to capitalize on this opportunity. Team members seem happy to have one more shot at a state championship. 

Senior wide receiver Garrett Ewing said the team is ready to show they belong.

“Everyone thinks we shouldn’t be here but we’re gonna show that we have what it takes to win this game and maybe even win this whole thing,” he said.

Senior receiver Malachi Hansen pointed out adjustments Carroll should make to keep hope alive.

“If we can keep our turnovers, miscommunications, and penalties to a low number, we have a good chance of winning this game,” Hansen said. “That and playing for each other are my keys for coming out with this dub.”