Our Program

St. Paul's School is home to one of the top prep school football programs in the Northeast. The team competes at a high level against some of the best prep school teams in New England and has been selected to play in a NEPSAC post-season bowl game five out of the last six seasons. Our state-of-the-art-facilities, including training areas, equipment and support staff, are all designed to support your development as an athlete. Our coaching staff, all of whom have played in college or professionally in the NFL, are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate, bringing decades of experience to their work. No matter what level you are pursuing, the coaching staff is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential as both an athlete and a student.
If you are interested in playing football at St. Paul's School, please fill out our questionnaire.

"What sets him apart from other coaches I've had in the past is that he's more of a mentor. A lot of times, a coach is a coach on the field...but I might not see him as much off the field. Coach Vandersea has really helped me a lot. ...I've met a bunch of college coaches and he's helping me set up for the next level of play."
— Carson / Fifth Former

Coaching

Head Coach Craig Vandersea joined SPS in 2008. During his tenure, St. Paul's has established itself as one of the top 10 prep football programs in the Northeast. In his third season as head coach, he oversaw the program's first winning record (6-2) in 20 seasons and was named the Boston Herald's Independent School League Football Coach of the Year for his efforts. During the last six seasons, the team has won four New England Bowl Championships. Coach Vandersea also has led St. Paul's football to four undefeated seasons, along with a 23-game winning streak.

Coach Vandersea came to St. Paul's from Bates College, where he was the assistant offensive football coach for 10 seasons and led the baseball program for nine.

Coach Vandersea made his coaching debut with the University of Rhode Island as a graduate assistant, helping coach the defensive line with current University of Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi. He then went on to coach at Bowdoin College for two seasons and then Norwich University for a season.

Coach Vandersea played high school football in Maine and earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island. He was a three-year letter winner at fullback and tight end for the Rams.

"I knew we could get it done, and I felt like our offensive line was just more gritty. ...I've never seen them get after it like they did today."
— Michael / Sixth Former

A Perfect End to A Perfect Season

SPS varsity football team claims 2024 NEPSAC John Papas Bowl.

It was a clash of two powerhouse football programs, and St. Paul’s School came out on top. On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Big Red of SPS took its perfect season to Boston College’s Alumni Stadium to face the likewise undefeated Knights of Buckingham Browne and Nichols (BB&N) in the 2024 NEPSAC John Papas Bowl. In a thrilling game that showcased the considerable talents of two championship teams — BB&N was named the 2024 Independent School League champion and SPS titleholder in the Evergreen League — the Big Red prevailed 23-20 in the final minute of play. The victory was the School’s second John Papas Bowl title in three years, having bested BB&N 30-20 at home in 2022.

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Become Big Red. The color will suit you.

Sportsmanship, respect and kindness are at the core of our coaching and playing, whether at the club, junior varsity or varsity team level. On the field, court and ice, students step into leadership roles, taking as their role models the coaches who also serve as their classroom teachers and house advisers. Our 95,000-square-foot Athletic and Fitness Center serves the entire St. Paul's community, helping all students prioritize their physical well being — no matter their athletic interests or skill level.

Guzzo Family Field, completely rebuilt in 2017 to include grandstands, press box, scoreboard and field lighting.

Still have questions about the SPS football program? Send us an email: football@sps.edu