By The Carroll College football team wrapped up their 2023 season on Saturday, Nov. 11, against Montana Tech. The Saints, who lost a hard-fought game to the Ore Diggers 17-23, ended their season with a record of 7-3.
Carroll’s offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, while Montana Tech’s did not. The Saints also took a handful of penalties that brought on additional challenges.
Despite Carroll earning a total of 425 yards and Montana Tech only earning 349, the Saints were unable to come out on top.
This year’s season finale was Senior Day and the Military Appreciation game. Veterans were given free admission into the game, and there were even military tanks present at the tailgate.
“I think the Military Appreciation game was a huge success,” said Gannon Roeper, a sophomore ROTC cadet majoring in communication studies from Emmett, Idaho. “There was tons of positive exposure between the students, our veterans, and the ROTC Cadets, plus people love tanks, so overall, it was a huge success.”
Twenty-two Saints football players walked for senior day with their families and friends.
“Senior day was a great opportunity to recognize the people who made my five seasons at Carroll so special,” said Duncan Kraft, a senior education major from Billings”Through the ups and downs of college football, my brothers on the team always picked me up and inspired me to keep pushing forward. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them, and I am very grateful to Carroll for helping me find friends that weren’t just for school but for life.”
With many of these players having played their last game as a Saint, it was a heartfelt sendoff from a packed Nelson Stadium.
“Although the outcome of the game wasn’t what we all wanted, I really enjoyed my senior day because of all of the love and support we received as a program. I was so happy to play in front of a big crowd full of family and friends,” said Jaden Harrison, a senior double majoring in business and Spanish from St. George, Utah. “At the end of the day, all I could think about was how grateful I was for my teammates, coaches, this school, and my family.”
“It was a rough ending to a good season, but I had so much fun during my time playing at Carroll,” said Hank Rugg, a senior majoring in data and computer sciences from Frenchtown, Montana.
After a strong performance and remaining in the NAIA top ten for the majority of the season, the Saints can now reflect on the 2023 season.
“It was a great season with lots of great memories with the team,” said quarterback Jack Prka, a junior majoring in elementary education from Couer d’Alene, Idaho. “A lot of hard work went into this season, so it sucked that it didn’t end the way we wanted, but I’ll miss all of the seniors and am excited for the next year to come.”
Carroll finished the season ranked 24th in the NAIA. The Saints now look forward to a well-earned break – and are already looking forward to spring ball.
