November 5, 2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA—Stuart Hall School for Boys is proud to announce that its Fifth, Sixth, Fifth/Sixth, and Seventh Grade flag football teams each won their New Orleans Athletic League (NOAL) Championship, completing a historic sweep for just the second time in the school’s history (the first time was 2012). The four titles cap an exceptional fall season for Stuart Hall Athletics.

Dave Blamphin, Director of Athletics and Coach, shares, "It was exciting to watch all of our teams come together in their own unique ways. The most consistent aspect across all four teams was how they truly played for each other and for the Stuart Hall community. That is a testament to the foundation that has been laid by their coaches, teachers, administrators, alumni, and families." 

The Fifth Grade Knights, coached by Dave Blamphin, held off the Country Day Cajuns 18-13 in their championship game, finishing the season with an 8-1 record. 

The Fifth/Sixth Grade team, coached by Drake Maloan and Stuart Hall alumnus Matthew Knight ’17, completed an impressive undefeated 10-0 season with a dramatic 20-13 championship victory over the Kehoe France Pioneers. After the Pioneers tied the game with just a minute remaining, the Knights scored the winning touchdown with 10 seconds left.  

The Sixth Grade Knights, coached by Drake Maloan and Matthew Knight ’17, defeated the previously undefeated Christian Brothers Falcons 27-21 in a back-and-forth game to earn their championship. The team avenged both of their regular-season losses in the playoffs, concluding the season with a 7-2 record. 

Meanwhile, the Seventh Grade Knights, coached by Dave Blamphin, defeated the Holy Name Gators 19-6 to earn their championship and conclude the season with a 9-2 record. The victory continued the group's championship streak, which they have maintained each year since Fifth Grade.

Together, the four championship teams represent a milestone for Stuart Hall’s flag football program and its coaches Dave Blamphin, Drake Maloan and Matthew Knight ’17.

Drake Maloan, Dean of Lower and Middle School and Coach, shares, “It was such an amazing season seeing each team overcome obstacles and find ways to have success as a team. They each learned to trust in their teammates and that it takes an entire team working together to accomplish their goals. It truly was a joy to be a part of this experience.”

Adding to Stuart Hall’s successful fall season, the Fourth/Fifth/Sixth Grade cross-country team captured the NOAL Championship for the first time since 2021. The title reflects the hard work of the runners and coaches James Cusimano, Evan Kramer, Maddie McGraw, and Lizzie Algero throughout the season.

Stuart Hall will honor the football teams at chapel next week. A schoolwide spirit day will also celebrate the school’s fantastic fall season. Football players will wear their jerseys, cross country runners will wear their singlets, and all students are invited to wear school-branded shirts. 

Founded in 1984, Stuart Hall School for Boys is an independent Catholic school in New Orleans serving boys from PK3 through Seventh Grade. Guided by the philosophy of Catholic educator Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, “Education is formation, not just information,” the school grounds its curriculum in Faith, Scholarship, Leadership, and Honor. In partnership with families, Stuart Hall helps each boy build a foundation rooted in a love of learning, service to others, and a commitment to Gospel values. For more information, visit www.stuarthall.org.