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FOOTBALL: Philadelphia Sports Digest's PICK 6 (Week of 10/4)

By John Knebels Photos: Kathy Leister, Zamani Feelings, James Beaver, Patty Morgan, 10/11/19, 3:00PM EDT

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The “Pick Six” -  a turning point for a defensive unit, a wrench for the offense. PSD’s “Pick Six” highlights personal achievements, team highlights and unbiased turning points of our weekly Philadelphia Catholic League teams in their previously played league games. 

By: John Knebels

Photos: Kathy Leister, James Beaver & Zamani Feelings

Pick One

Fueled by junior Tysheem Johnson’s career-best performance and facing an undermanned opponent missing several key starters, Neumann-Goretti scored 30 straight points in the second half and overwhelmed Archbishop Carroll, 64-20, at the South Philadelphia Supersite.

The Saints, who amassed a startling 571 yards of offense, raised their perfect record to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Catholic League Blue Division and appear poised to clinch their second title in three seasons.

Johnson contributed 159 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and added six catches for 151 yards through the air, including a perfectly orchestrated strike from sophomore quarterback Marqui Adams that resulted in an 87-yard touchdown connection.

For good measure, Johnson also completed three passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns, including a 30-yard fling to senior Damian Gabriel.

“I try to play at a high level every game,” said Johnson. “Running, catching, or even throwing – I try to make the most of every opportunity.”

Pick Two

La Salle’s coaching staff deserves kudos for getting everyone involved in the Explorers’ 49-7 win over Father Judge at Upper Dublin High School. Five different players scored touchdowns – three of them for the first time on varsity – and two different kickers were perfect on a combined seven extra-point attempts.

Senior Jack Machita quarterback was an efficient 8 for 12 for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Although held to 17 yards on five carries, sophomore standout Sam Brown caught three passes for 102 yards. His three touchdowns gave him 16 for the season – nine on the ground, and seven through the air. Brown’s six touchdowns last year helped merit a second-team All-Catholic honor.

Junior Liam Kennedy, sophomore EJ Wentz, and junior Gavin Daly registered their first-ever varsity touchdowns. Freshman Mao Howell scored his third. After senior kicker Jake Gandolfo nailed five straight extra points, senior John O’Donnell drove home the final two. 


Neumann Goretti's Tysheem Johnson vs. Archbishop Carroll (photo by: Kathy Leister for PSD)

Neumann-Goretti vs. Archbishop Carroll (photos by Kathy Leister).For more gameday photos (click here).


La Salle's coaching staff whips up a solid game plan in 49-7 victory vs. Father Judge - PSD Photo by James Beaver

Pick Three

Although senior Dan Dutkiewicz provided the offense with 132 yards and both touchdowns on 16 carries, it was Lansdale Catholic’s defense that starred in a14-0 shutout win over Cardinal O’Hara at Wissahickon High School.

Taking into account sacks, the Crusaders surrendered 23 total yards – none through the air. Senior lineman Jack Kelly, senior linebacker Shane Stewart, senior safety Pat Daly, senior linebacker Kevin Gianoni, senior linebacker Luke Shragher, and senior lineman Mike Evangelista did most of the feasting.


Lansdale Catholic vs. Cardinal O' Hara (photo by James Beaver).

Pick Four

Coming off a 20-6 upset loss to Roman Catholic, several players from Archbishop Wood said they looked forward to getting back on the field to wash away a sour taste.

Wood’s unfortunate victim was Archbishop Ryan. At William Tennent High School, the Vikings scored early and often and walked away with a thoroughly convincing 51-7 win.

Junior quarterback Max Keller completed eight of 10 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and scored on a short haul. Junior Cardell Pigford returned after missing the Roman game and rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Sophomore Kimarri Sanchez (6 carries, 104 yards), sophomore Andrew McHugh (six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns), and senior Jacob Cappiello (41-yard scoring reception) combined for four more scores.

“This week’s win against Ryan was huge for us just to keep us confident,” said senior running back/defensive back Ryan DiVergilis. “We have a young team, and to bounce back and execute like we did – it just gave us a great deal of confidence. We just have to stay focused and confident the rest of the way to go where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Pick Five

Lonnie Rice rushed for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and completed 7 of 13 passes for 74 yards to help Bishop McDevitt double West Catholic, 16-8, at Springfield High School.

The previous week, the sure-to-be three-time All-Catholic phenom surpassed the 4,000-yard mark (from scrimmage) for his career. He now stands at 4,217.

In typical style, Rice focused on the McDevitt program rather than himself.

“It was one for the culture,” said Rice. “Our culture and our program need that to show this new generation that McDevitt football is here to make a statement.”

Pick Six

Bonner-Prendergast looked like they were hosting a football Pollyanna in a 46-7 rout of visiting Conwell-Egan. Everyone seemed to enjoy a gift or two.

Archbishop Wood vs. Archbishop Ryan (photos by: Patty Morgan). For more gameday photos (click here).

McDevitt senior QB Lonnie Rice makes game winning TD against West Catholic (video -Zamani Feelings for PSD).

Five players – senior Charles Ingram, sophomore Mason Peterson, junior Derrick Jackson, senior Oscar Oduma, and sophomore Armon Mapp – combined for a sizzling 314 rushing yards (of the team’s 353) and five touchdowns on only 19 attempts.

On defense, junior Nasim Rhodes-Nelson returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown.  

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)