Rams Self-Destructed Down Important Stretch Run

CARMEL—No team wants to go down the way it went for the Carmel High football team this fall.

Ryan Shilling DAN Shilling DAN SCHIFF ( The Rams had their fate in their hands, and appeared headed to a Class AA semifinal, but self-destructed during a crucial time in a playoff game and ended up going down to Arlington in the Class AA quarterfinals.

Carmel had a commanding 27-16 lead in that game—with just three-and-a-half minutes to play. But five turnovers—including two in the final minutes of the game—resulted in an unlikely 31-27 loss to the Admirals.

Carmel came back to beat Suffern, 34- 8, in the final game of the season, and closed the fall at 5-4.

“It was a little disappointing,” Rams coach Todd Cayea said. “We were hoping to go a little deeper in the playoffs, but overall I think it was a successful season. We did some things down the stretch to beat ourselves… that was frustrating. But this was a good group of seniors, and they had a good year.”

Nick Sadowski SKIP Rams quarterback Ryan Shilling, a three-year starter and a team captain, earned All-Section and All-League honors for the third straight year. Shilling was named the Courier Athlete of the Month for September, and was also named the Best Back in League AANorth. He leaves as Carmel’s all-time passing leader with 4,918 yards of total offense and 48 touchdowns – both school records.

“Ryan had a great career,” Cayea said. “He was one of the best athletes to come through the school in the 15 years I’ve been there. He’s also an unbelievable kid off the field. He’s the total package, and we won’t be able to replace him. Overall, this was a great group, very committed, and they played right to the end.”

Senior DE/OG Nick Sadowski and senior OT/DT Alex Alers also earned All-Section and All-League Honors. RJ Krauss and Chris Conover were named All-Section Honorable Mention and All- League.

Alex Alers SKIP Alers SKIP PEARLmAN Joe Sadowski, Mike Marek, Nick Capone and Aaron Smith were all named to the All-League team.