The football team was off to one of the best starts in many years. After their win Friday night against Glasgow HS, the team is 5-1 overall and 4-0 in district play. Everyone that has ever been around football knows it is a “team” game, but two individuals drew attention around St. Andrew’s and Delaware for their record breaking performances. Michael Lilley ‘22 and Brandon Graves ‘22 set multiple single game records and did it all in only 3 quarters because the game was called early to darkness. Mike’s 355 yards passing and 5 touchdown passes are the most ever in a single game in St. Andrew's history. Brandon’s 286 yards receiving and his 4 receiving touchdowns are both single game St. Andrew's records. Season individual records were not safe either Friday. With his 4 receiving touchdowns Brandon pushed his total to 9 on the year which is a new St. Andrew’s single season receiving touchdown record. 

Mike and Brandon talked about their record setting day and what was going in their heads during the game. “I figured once we were scoring 50 plus yard touchdowns on multiple drives, we were putting up some pretty historic numbers. Never did I think the 350 yards I threw for would be that, but now that I look back at it, it’s a lot (of yards) and exciting,” Mike said. Brandon added, “I didn’t even realize, I was just playing football and loving the sport.” It started to hit him later that evening, “After the game, all the touchdowns I scored and passes I caught, and that was a lot but never realized it was a single game record.” 

The connection has been pretty special this season between Mike and Brandon, and it goes a lot further than the football field. “Our connection started sophomore year when Mike first came here. We played football together that year and playing basketball together helped us but just having a class with him played a factor in the connection we have today,” Brandon said. The two have connected on all 9 of Brandon’s receiving touchdowns. “Once we had our first scrimmage against redline and Brandon broke 8 tackles and scored, I knew (all season) I just had to make the play, because I have the faith he will make it,” Mike shared. 

Their performances this season are being recognized and receiving accolades from many past the shores of Noxontown Pond. Brandon was voted the Delaware Online Athlete of the Week for week 4 and Mike is nominated for his performance last week. Both players were recognized as the Athletes of the Week by Marty Sheehan on the Delaware Sports Debate for their record setting performances against Glasgow HS. 

Mike and Brandon enjoy the chance to break records but will quickly remind anyone what their personal goal is. “It would be a lot of fun to throw for 1000 yards and break the single season passing touchdown record but the team comes first. Making the state tournament and having a deep run is on the forefront of mind,” Mike said. Brandon added, “Making the state tournament is huge, not everyone believes in us except the guys on the team. It would be a confidence boost and great for this community to see our success if we hopefully bring back a state title.”