Seniors lead Notre Dame title drive

It's no secret that seniors lead the Notre Dame Prep football team.

There are 27 seniors on the 50-player roster. All of them who know how to win a championship after their Class 4A Division II championship game win last season over Gilbert Higley.

They will have a chance to do it again as they faces Tucson Santa Rita on Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium.

Notre Dame Prep coach Scot Bemis took time earlier this week to speak to the Scottsdale Republic about his team and its approach heading into Saturday's title game.

You find yourself where you were last season. But what's the difference between this team and last season's team? "It's a lot more physical. This group of kids is very physical, very aggressive. They learned a lot from the seniors that were with them last year as far as work ethic. It goes beyond those seniors (last season who) learned from the seniors before them.

"We're very big into senior leadership. We're working them hard and making sure they do things the way we need them to. It's not about just doing this for yourself. It's about setting a precedent for the kids behind them. They've taken that in stride though it took a little while. As a group, (the seniors) have really learned how to be leaders. It's not just being rah-rah but to lead by example."

You talk about learning the work ethic from last season's team. What else is similar about this team from last season's? "Just it's great desire to be successful on the field and off the field. They went to be successful. The kids work extremely hard. We try to preach that nothing is worth happening if it's going to be free. We work the kids very hard and they buy into it. It's been a great, great group of kids."

How much was last week's win a boost of confidence for you team heading into the title game? And is there a concern about overconfidence? "It's definitely a boost for our confidence. You always worry about overconfidence when you've had the success we've had this year. But also, we've had teams smack us in the face and surprised early and give us a wake up call.

" . . . We've seen Santa Rita on film. We know every player on that team. We know they're the best team we'll play this year. They are a very formidable opponent. Their track record speaks for itself."

What is the week like for you with all the hoopla surrounding the team? Are you going to try and make this week as normal as possible? "We are creatures of habit. We try to do everything the same. Having success, we don't want to change everything. We want to go through our normal practice routine every day and watch films like we normally do. We try to keep the routine as similar as possible. But it is different this week with all the media out there. Also, this is the first week college recruiters can come and watch practice. We've already had five come in this morning.

"But it's a great problem with all the hoopla that goes along with it. We tell the kids they've earned it, but don't let it go to your head. Enjoy it. A lot of schools in the state wish to be in your shoes. Don't let it go to your head. It's all business and get used to it."