Reclaiming the Gridiron Glory: St. Johnsbury's Quest for Dominance

In the heart of Vermont, the town of St. Johnsbury has become a beacon of high school football excellence, with its team, the Toppers, emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the state's Division 1 landscape. Over the past decade, St. Johnsbury has etched its name in the annals of sports history, securing a place in the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons and even capturing the coveted Division 1 title in 2017, a landmark achievement for the program.

Determined to Regain Their Lofty Perch

The Highs and Lows of St. Johnsbury's Football Journey

St. Johnsbury's football program has experienced a roller coaster of success and setbacks in recent years. The Toppers have established themselves as one of the state's premier teams, consistently qualifying for the Division 1 playoffs and even reaching the championship game in Rutland three times. However, the team has faced a slight dip in performance, losing three regular-season games in each of the past three seasons and failing to win a playoff game since the 2019 semifinals.Despite these challenges, the Toppers remain determined to reclaim their lofty perch and once again assert their dominance on the gridiron. With a significant portion of last year's sophomore contributors now taking on more prominent roles as upperclassmen, the team is poised to build on its past successes and reignite the spark that led to their historic 2017 championship triumph.

The Toppers' Offensive Firepower

At the heart of St. Johnsbury's quest for glory is their high-powered offense, led by senior quarterback Carter Bunnell. Bunnell, who assumed the starting role last season, is eager to build upon his experience and lead the team with a renewed sense of confidence and chemistry."Last year, that was new to me," Bunnell said. "It was new to a lot of the wide receivers then too. But this year it's a lot of returners. So I definitely think we will be off in more of a groove when we get the season going instead of taking a couple games to get going."Complementing Bunnell's leadership is a skilled group of juniors, including tight end Davis Palmieri, who are poised to make a significant impact on the offensive side of the ball. The Toppers' coaching staff, led by head coach Rich Alercio, is confident in the team's offensive capabilities and their ability to regain their offensive prowess."Yeah, we have a good bunch of kids," Alercio noted. "We're working really hard, [and] it's a pretty athletic group. We've got the returning quarterback who's extremely athletic. Most of the other ball handlers are all juniors. They have some experience because we played so many sophomores last year. But all in all, it's a good group. And the offensive line is developing."

Seizing the Home-Field Advantage

As the Toppers prepare for the upcoming season, they are eager to capitalize on a significant change in the championship format – the relocation of the final game to Fairbanks, their home field. This shift presents a unique opportunity for St. Johnsbury to assert their dominance and potentially secure a return to the championship stage."I think we can go all the way," declared junior tight end Davis Palmieri. "I mean, we're hosting at home. I don't wanna watch it from the in the stands. I wanna play in it. And I think if we just prepare and everyone helps, whether you're a starter or as a scout team member, give good looks and practice. I think we can do it."The prospect of playing for the championship in front of their home crowd has ignited a renewed sense of determination within the Toppers' roster. The team is committed to seizing this opportunity and showcasing their skills on the biggest stage, driven by the desire to reclaim the state's football supremacy.

A Season of Renewed Hope and Expectations

As the Toppers prepare to open their season against Essex, the anticipation within the St. Johnsbury community is palpable. The team's recent setbacks have only fueled their determination to regain their championship form, and with a talented roster of experienced players, the Toppers are poised to make a significant push for the title.With the championship final now hosted at their home field, the Toppers have an opportunity to capitalize on their home-field advantage and secure their place among the state's elite programs. The team's coaching staff and players are united in their belief that this season holds the potential for a triumphant return to the pinnacle of Vermont high school football.As the Toppers take the field, the town of St. Johnsbury and the surrounding region will be watching with bated breath, eager to witness the team's quest for redemption and the restoration of their gridiron glory.