The Northeast Conference ceremoniously kicked off the 2021 football season with its Virtual Media Day.
 
Saint Francis head coach Chris Villarrial, senior Martin Foray, Jr., and redshirt-sophomore Seth Osborne joined other NEC coaches and players for the annual event.
 
The 2020 football season was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Red Flash opted out of the abbreviated 2021 spring football season.   Coach Villarrial is heading into his 11^th season at the helm and his team is eager to get back on the field.
 
"It was a challenging year, but going through that challenge you mature.  I think this team has really come together. They've really bonded," said Villarrial.
 
The Red Flash took the fifth spot in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll.  Sacred Heart was picked to finish first.  The Pioneers won the NEC Championship in April beating Duquesne in overtime.  The Dukes are ranked second in the poll.
 
It's a young team, but the Red Flash defense does return a few key veterans.  That squad includes redshirt-junior James Watkins.  The defensive lineman was named to the 2021 All-NEC Preseason Team.   Watkins is the big man in the middle on defense.  In 2019, he made second-team All NEC finishing third on the team in tackles for a loss (11) and sacks (4).
 
Coach Villarrial has stressed to his team that through every struggle there's a positive. 
 
"We took this spring to find out who we were," said Villarrial.  "We put guys in different positions.  Someone's got to lead; someone's got to step up."
 
Defensive back Martin Foray, Jr is another player coach Villarrial will lean on.  The senior-leader started all 12 games in 2019 and he said this team is unified.
 
"We had some people leave, but the ones that stayed you can tell are the ones who want to be here," said Foray.  "Everyone has been going all out trying to get ready for this upcoming season."
 
Foray is also excited to play under Saint Francis legend Scott Lewis.  The two-time All-American graduated from Saint Francis in 2011 and is taking over duties as defensive coordinator.  His 524 career tackles rank fifth in FCS history.
 
"He's about the x's and o's," said Foray. "There's a lot of respect. Everyone listens when he talks."
 
Another positive coming into the 2021 campaign is that the team is healthy.  Offensive lineman Seth Osborne smiled when he said they got more time to hit the weights hard.
 
"We spent the offseason getting stronger, faster and better in shape," said Osborne.
 
Saint Francis starts the 2021 season with its first ever FBS opponent in program history on September 3^rd against Eastern Michigan.  Coach Villarrial said is excited about the opportunity and says it shows growth in the program.
 
"I can't thank the administration enough for backing us and allowing us to play a team of that caliber," said Villarrial.  "We always want to play at the highest level possible."
 
The Red Flash will get that chance one month from today.   Kickoff against Eastern Michigan is set for 7:00 p.m. and you can catch that historic game on ESPN3.