Heading into the 2017 campaign, the Sanford football team faced a lot of questions regarding its roster.

The Spartans lost two of their top playmakers from the season before, including quarterback Frankie Veino and All-State wide receiver Ethan Belanger.

Ethan Emard was slated as the team’s quarterback in the opening weeks, and flashed great athleticism and leadership as a team captain. Things seemed to be going smoothly until a midseason injury forced Emard out of competition, and thrusted junior Jordan Giroux into the starting role.

“I didn’t really have a reaction — when he got hurt I knew that I’d have to be the guy,” said Giroux. “We worked that entire week on what had to be done and how to execute on the field.”

Giroux has been successful filling in for Emard, and has shown similar athleticism and has adapted to the role fast. The Spartans have been playing their best football as of late, nearly getting a win against powerhouse Thornton Academy in the regular season finale and then avenging a loss to South Portland in the Class A South quarterfinals.

“Each week with our whole entire team developing I think each one of us has had a chance to grow and to become better at the position we’re playing,” said Giroux. “Now that we have more of an understanding and have (been) doing what we’ve been doing longer, we all know what we’re supposed to be doing and it’s all coming together.”

The Spartans roster is also made up of primarily sophomores and juniors, so having success this year will be beneficial in the long run, according to Giroux.

“It’s good that the young guys can get experience, it will be good for all of us and will prepare us for next season.”

Giroux also got some help from the seniors on the offense, including captain Michael Lunny, who is a running back for Sanford.

“It’s helpful to have an older guy like (Lunny) who has experience, who knows the situation and knows how to handle stuff while it’s coming at them,” said Giroux.

Sanford will be on the road tonight, taking on top-seeded Scarborough in the Class A South semis. The Red Storm powered past Sanford 49-15 in week 2, but Giroux and company feel that they’re ready, and know what it will take to get the win.

“We’re not surprised, we’ve worked hard enough and we deserve to be where we’re at now,” said Giroux. “What we learned about (Scarborough) is that once they get hot they don’t really stop, then it gets going from there. We need to prevent them from making plays on us.”

The Spartans are not only looking for the win, but they are also fighting for respect in Class A South.

“A win would bring us up to those other teams like Scarborough,” said Giroux. “I think other programs would start looking at us that way.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com.