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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) passes the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) kicks the extra point during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) runs the ball downfield as Maplesville wide receiver/linebacker Cade Smith (14) moves in to make the stop during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/offensive linebacker Mitchell Nutter (25) drives the ball through the Maplesville defense into the end zone during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cavaliers take the field for the start of a game against Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/defensive back Aubrey Walker (0) carries the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll wide receiver Zach Archer (1) avoids a tackle by Maplesville wide receiver/linebacker Johnathon Wilson (3) during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) passes the ball as Maplesville wide receiver/linebacker Ensign Payne (15) makes the tackle during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The John Carroll marching band performs during halftime of a game against Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The John Carroll marching band performs during halftime of a game against Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The John Carroll marching band performs during halftime of a game against Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll halfback/linebacker Grey Higgins (6) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Members of the 2023 boys soccer team pick up their Class 5A state championship rings during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) carries the ball as he moves away from a Maplesville defender during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/defensive back Aubrey Walker (0) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/defensive back Aubrey Walker (0) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) passes the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Members of the 2023 boys soccer team pick up their Class 5A state championship rings during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Members of the 2023 boys soccer team pick up their Class 5A state championship rings during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/offensive linebacker Mitchell Nutter (25) carries the ball downfield during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/defensive back Aubrey Walker (0) runs the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll wide receiver Zach Archer (1) carries the ball past a Maplesville defender during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll wide receiver Zach Archer (1) returns the kickoff during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll offensive lineman/linebacker Niajel Morgan (33) and John Carroll halfback/defensive end/offensive linebacker Braydon Lowery (18) tackles the Maplesville ball carrier during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll quarterback/defensive back Garrett Barnes (14) passes the ball downfield during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/wide receiver/offensive linebacker Mitchell Nutter (25) pushes for extra yards as he’s brought down by the Maplesville defense during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cavalier cheerleaders during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll wide receiver Zach Archer (1) carries the ball to the end zone as the Cavaliers face Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
John Carroll running back/linebacker Brandon Rashleigh (5) pursues Maplesville quarterback/cornerback Bradlee Padgett during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
BIRMINGHAM -- John Carroll Catholic High School put the cherry on top of an historic regular season with a convincing 44-7 win over Maplesville on Friday night at Pat Sullivan Field.
Led by a quartet of seniors, quarterback Carson McFadden, running back Mitchell Nutter, wide receiver/running back Zach Archer, and tight end Ryan Redmond, the Cavaliers finished the 2023 regular season on a high note.
The Cavs posted a record of 8-2, their first winning record since 2010 and most wins in a season since 1998.
John Carroll head coach Will Mara summed up the season and the players' approach to improvement by emphasizing one word: consistency.
“Consistency’s been the big word and they’ve stayed consistent with everything that we’ve taught,” said Mara. “They dive in each week, whether it’s the workout or the film room. They deserve a ton of the credit. They’ve been doing it for years. They decided they wanted to change and they made it.
“I can’t say enough about this whole team,” he added. “It’s just been a special group. I can’t imagine stepping on the field without them.”
Relying on the running game, John Carroll wasted no time jumping out to a lead, scoring on the second play from scrimmage on a 44-yard run by Archer, putting the Cavaliers up 7-0.
After the defense forced the Maplesville offense into its second consecutive three-and-out, the Cavaliers put together a methodical seven-play, 62-yard drive, capped off with a 14-yard touchdown run by Nutter.
McFadden got the second quarter started with a bang, busting through the line of scrimmage and scampering for a 58-yard touchdown run. The Cavaliers added a 35-yard field goal by Charles Farr and a 6-yard pitch-and-catch from McFadden to Redmond with just over a minute to play in the second quarter. John Carroll went into the locker room with a commanding 31-0 lead.
John Carroll added two more scores in the second half, a 1-yard plunge from Archer early in the third quarter, and then a 58-yard pass from backup quarterback Garrett Barnes to Redmond midway through the fourth quarter.
Additionally, the Cavaliers defense kept the Maplesville offense off stride all night, allowing only one touchdown late in the third quarter on a 15-yard run by Bryson Pickle.
With their ticket already punched for the 2023 playoffs, Mara said the Cavs prepared for the matchup with Maplesville like the playoffs had already begun.
“We wanted to treat it like a playoff game. There were things we needed to fix from last week and there will be things we need to fix this week,” said Mara. “But, they kept the same intensity, kept the same focus, kept the same energy.”
McFadden, who only played one play in the third quarter before leaving the game, led the Cavaliers offense, completing 5-of-9 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 93 yards on seven carries and a touchdown.
The senior signal caller said that Maplesville plays a similar style as Fairview, John Carroll’s first round playoff opponent. While the win over Maplesville is a good indicator, he knows he and his teammates still have a tough road ahead of them.
“It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’m really worried about next week. I know we still, hopefully, have a long season ahead of us,” McFadden said. “We’re just trying to work one game at a time.
“It’s gone by fast, but we’ve stacked wins upon each other and just moved week to week and that every game is a tough game, especially in our area,” McFadden added. “We’re excited to move in the playoffs.”
John Carroll will travel to Fairview for the first round of the Class 5A playoffs next Friday.
