MIGHTY DEFENSE LEADS LI TO 14-7 SENIOR BOWL WIN!!! In the time-honored Metro Catholic football tradition of some “pancakes and sausage” in the morning (Awards Breakfast); followed by one final appearance on the gridiron for our departing seniors… The theme of the day for the contingent from Long Island’s defense was “bend don’t break”!!! Spoiling repeated promising drives from their counterparts hailing from NYC; the Nassau/Suffolk/Queen comprised roster rose to the occasion when needed en route to hanging on for a 14-7 triumph on Sunday afternoon at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex!!! The biggest defensive stand/game-saving moment occurring in the final 10:00 of regulation; it would back-to-back run stuffs by Chaminade LB, Liam Trainor, complemented by pass break-ups on 3rd and 4th downs courtesy of Josiah Dodson (St. Francis Prep) and Brody Richert (St. Anthony’s) that stranded the City boys on the LI 5-yard line and yielded a turnover on
As the cliche suggests, “Defense Wins Championships”….And for two of our three selections today; that prophecy turned to fruition!!! Each of them a consummate playmaker who “makes things happen” whether the ball is in their control or not; this threesome was credited with generating 12 opposing turnovers (7 interceptions, 5 fumbles caused) to accompany the 200+ combined tackles they recorded!! Signifying the past (senior), present (Junior), and future (sophomore) of all that is the hard-nosed, “take no prisoners” mentality of the NYCHSFL, these consummate shutdown gems emptied the gas tank week in and week out in and were unapologetic in the carnage that ensued!!! We bow our heads and pay homage in recognition of the transcending values/characteristics displayed by our 2025 O’Connor honorees—-Joseph Henn (AA-2; Holy Trinity), Robert Milacci (AA-1; Xavier), & Mamadee Sangaray (AAA; Iona Prep)!! Reggie Francklin (Holy Cross; 2007/2008) and Kennedy Catholic’s Cole Esposito (2017/2018) the only