Christian Brothers Academy football is rolling into the 2026 season with a two-quarterback plan, a bold move by coach Bobby Burns after five straight Class AA Super Bowl appearances and a heartbreaking 14-13 loss last year. Senior Matt Kowalski and sophomore Leo Field are both slated to play when CBA kicks off their season opener on September 4 at home against Archbishop Stepinac. This isn’t just about sharing snaps; it’s about leveraging distinct skill sets to spark an offense hungry for redemption.
The Double-Edged Sword of Dual QBs
Coach Burns isn’t messing around, stating flat out: “They are both going to play.” He knows he’s got two different weapons. Field, with his “more natural quarterback ability,” is the traditional pocket passer, described as “bigger and a little more statuesque,” seeing “everything” on the field. Then there’s Kowalski, the athlete who brings a running threat but can also push the ball downfield as a passer. Burns might start one, then bring in the other if the team needs a “spark” after just two series. It’s a clear signal: both guys have his full confidence to get the job done. This isn’t new territory for CBA either, they’ve snagged sectional titles before using more than one quarterback. The competition between Kowalski and Field has been so tight, Burns simply can’t pick one over the other right now. Kowalski, in particular, has made “as much progress as anyone in the program” since the end of last season.
Chasing Redemption: The 2025 Super Bowl Still Stings
This isn’t just a new season; it’s a mission. The Jones brothers, Donnie and Archie, led CBA’s offense from 2021 through 2025, taking the Brothers to five straight Super Bowls and winning four of them. Archie, the full-time starter in 2024 and 2025, has graduated, leaving massive shoes to fill. But the motivation runs deeper than just new talent. That 14-13 Super Bowl loss against Saratoga Springs in 2025? It “still stings,” big time. Both Kowalski and Field are feeling that pressure, but they’re embracing it. Kowalski, from Latham, knows he has “a lot to live up to with the quarterbacks we’ve had and their work ethic,” and he’s “stoked” to show what he and the rest of the team can do. Field, an Albany native, echoes that fire: “We’ve got studs. We have a bunch of playmakers all over the field.” He adds that the team has guys who “can compete with anybody in the state,” they just need “a chance.” The players are pushing each other daily, with Field taking mental reps when Kowalski is in, always trying to learn and get better. This CBA squad has “big expectations,” and the hunger to reclaim the top spot in Class AA is absolutely real.
The season kicks off against Archbishop Stepinac, and all eyes will be on how this two-QB system performs. Can Burns’s gamble pay off and lead CBA back to championship glory? You bet we’ll be watching every snap.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply