On Friday September 13, the Caravan took on the Montini Catholic Broncos at the new Barda-Dowling Stadium at Carey Field.  Before the kickoff, there was a presentation honoring Jim Barda ’63 and Kevin Dowling ’96 for whom the stadium is named.

Both Jim Barda ’63 and Kevin Dowling ’96 died during summer camps while preparing to play for the Caravan. In their memory, the jersey numbers for Barda (#38) and Dowling (#57) are the only two retired jerseys in the history of Mount Carmel football.

During the ceremony before kickoff, Carey Field was blessed with holy water by three of Mount Carmel’s Carmelite priests: Fr. Peter McGarry, Fr. Jim Lewis and Fr. David Dillon.

There was also a presentation during halftime honoring several veteran football coaches, including Coach Bill Barz, Coach Frank Maloney, Coach Terry Brennan, and Coach Tom Carey. Dozens of former Caravan football joined them for the occasion.

Coach Frank Lenti, the winningest coach in Mount Carmel history, was unable to attend.

The players were fired up by the dedication and were ready to come out with a victory that night, which they accomplished by the score of 27-20.

This week, the Caravan will play the Loyola Ramblers at Barda-Dowling Stadium on Friday September, 20 in the annual homecoming game.