The Saints will be bringing at least 20 players that weren't able to make the team flight to Savannah, Tenn., last December when Carroll won its fifth title against the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.), 17-9.
While the two teams will face off in a rematch, they'll have new faces and a new battleground in Rome, Ga., on Dec. 20.
“It's hard to describe it,” said senior offensive lineman Leonard Thurmond. “You've just been working for something for so long, and when it's finally there it's hard to believe when you've got it.”
Thurmond walked on to the Carroll program five years ago and has never been on the field for the championship game.
He traveled separately to Savannah and watched from the stands in the freezing rain.
“It was pouring down and the most miserable conditions I've ever watched a football game in and I was just happy as I can be,” he said.
As a backup who rarely sees time on the field, he knows it will take a number of things to go the Saints' way for him to get in the action. But he hasn't given up hope.
“If I get on the field that would be absolutely spectacular,” he said.
Certain to get on the field is junior receiver Stevie Sloan.
He traveled to the last two title games in 2005 and 2007 and watched his older brother Brian, a senior receiver, during both of those championship appearances.
“I think that it was hard going down with my family last year and not the team,” Stevie Sloan said. “It gave me a lot of motivation to make it this year and now that I have, it's given me a lot more motivation, that's for sure.
“I want to have my best game of the year.”
Jeff Deal has never taken the trip, with the team or without. He spent last year watching the game with family at Bert & Ernie's in downtown Helena.
Starting off the season as the fourth-string running back, Deal has seen action throughout the year after injuries sidelined senior Sean Herrin for most of the season and junior Gabe Le for one game.
He could be carrying the ball as a backup, in case of a big lead or an emergency. He will also play on special teams.
“I think the food should be really interesting. I know they got to drink sweet tea and had some strange southern food,” Deal said.
With a change in destination, Deal hopes that some things won't change.
“Maybe we'll start a tradition of going down there like we did of going to Savannah,” he said.
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