Once in a lifetime chance to play football in Ireland for a few high schools

Perhaps the soaring and spectacular views from Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher can inspire Belen Jesuit to new heights.

Then again, the Miami-based Wolverines football team shouldn’t need any added motivation to play their 2016 season opener. They are one of six American high school programs that will travel more than 4,000 miles to play in Dublin on Friday.

“You get to do a lot of cool things in your senior year, but this is incredible,” senior quarterback Lucas Pola said. “I’m extremely excited. There is so much hype at school – it’s crazy.”

This is the third occasion that the American Football Showcase has featured high school games in Ireland, but it’s the first time the series includes schools from Florida, Georgia or New Jersey.

Belen coach Rich Stuart, who has led the Wolverines to the state playoffs in 15 of the past 17 seasons, has a career record of 216-139. Last year, he set the Miami-Dade County coaching record for most career wins.

Stuart said Belen was invited to play in Ireland two years ago but declined due to logistics.

“It’s like moving a mountain to pull this off,” Stuart said of the organization required to transport 110 people overseas.

But now that the seas have been parted and the mountains have been moved, Belen is headed to the Emerald Isle, home of Bono, rolling hills and countless Irish pubs.

To read more of this story click here