When Episcopal senior quarterback Warner Blunt hits senior wide receiver Danny Coale in stride with a pass, the duo’s on-field chemistry is obvious.
That innate ability to communicate without speaking was certainly forged through four years together playing varsity football for the Maroon. But it’s also no coincidence Coale and Blunt are also roommates at the Alexandria boarding school. Their on-field chemistry was honed through living together, as well.
Coale is from Lexington, Va. Blunt lives just outside Richmond. They arrived at Episcopal as wide-eyed freshmen, homesick and admittedly a little overwhelmed.
“But it puts you in a situation right from the first day where you’re no longer in a comfort zone,” said Coale. “Being at a boarding school forces you to interact with different people. It forces you to deal with different stresses. You learn a lot about your teammates.”
That experience living away from home for months at a time will come in handy next fall. The 6-foot, 195-pound Coale, a highly recruited football and lacrosse player, will play football at Virginia Tech. Blunt, a 6-4, 190-pounder, has an offer from VMI and interest from Richmond and William & Mary.
“That’s why college recruiters like our kids. They’ve already been through so much. Doing your own laundry isn’t going to be a problem forthem,” said Episcopal coach Mark Gowin. “And the bonds made by being with and around each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week can’t be duplicated. They’re ready for college.”
So far it has been a dream season for the Maroon. Episcopal is 8-0 and last week clinched its first Interstate Athletic Conference championship since 1998. The Maroon have played their share of tight games, including a 13-7 win over O’Connell, a 22-21 victory over Collegiate and a 26-23 overtime win vs. IAC rival St. Albans.
The Game
» Episcopal finishes out the year on the road this Saturday with the annual grudge match against Woodberry Forest, among the oldest continuous rivalries between two high school football teams in the country. The Game has been played every year since 1901.
» Senior QB Warner Blunt is 80-for-156 with 1,400 passing yards and 15 TDs. Senior WR Danny Coale has 28 receptions for 656 yards and 11 TDs. He has also returned two punts for a TD. Three other Episcopal receivers — Hunter De butts, Wiatt Farrar and Matt Hurley — all have at least 13 receptions.
» An improved running game has also contributed to the Maroon’s success this season. Senior RB Kyle Lewis has 405 rushing yards and three TDs. RB Brett Johnson has 224 rushing yards and two TDs.
