There they are, No. 3 in the latest Beacon Journal poll, No. 1 in the hearts of Hoban fans. The Knights football team is trampling the opposition, defeating Kent Roosevelt, Stow-Munroe Falls and Bedford St. Peter Chanel. From game one the Knights have shown that they want to go all the way.

The Knights opened the season on Aug. 23 with a scheduled joust against the Rough Riders of Kent Roosevelt. Since it was the first home game, both parents and students were eager to see what the Knights could do minus the 14 seniors lost last year.

Although the game was only played for a little less than a half due to weather, the Knights' hard work and ingenuity paid off, and they beat Roosevelt 28-7.

In that half of the game senior quarterback Tom Sitko threw a touchdown to senior wide receiver Erin McGough.

Sophomore Tyrell Sutton scored three times.

"I started off a little weak," Sutton said. "But I knew I had to get it together, and that's what I did."

After rolling over the Rough Riders, the Knights were put up against the visiting Bulldogs of Stow Aug. 30. Hoban was challenged a bit more, and the game did go the whole scheduled time, but again Hoban triumphed, this time 34-14.

Scoring came again from Sutton, who scored two touchdowns. Sitko ran for one, as did senior tailback Jarrod Costanzo.

Sitko is pleased with the team's victories.

"We are getting ready for the playoffs," Sitko said. "We want to go far, so we have to start now."

Next on the agenda was a trip to Bedford. Although the Chanel Firebirds were a lot bigger than the Knights, Hoban overcame the disadvantage, winning 24-16. Scoring for the Knights were McGough off a 33-yard pass from Sitko, senior Todd Corley off a 5-yard pass from Sitko, and Sitko on a 21-yard run. Senior Justin Oldaker was four-for-four kicking.

According to Sitko, the team is using the early contests to get ready for next Saturday's showdown with St. Vincent-St. Mary.

"We are taking it one game at a time, and we are watching film to prepare for the game with St. V-M," Sitko said.

The Knights upcoming contests include the much anticipated battle for the Shillelagh with the Irish at Cuyahoga Falls, then Holy Name Sept. 20 at Hoban. Both games are at 7:30.