Photos/Videos: John Knebels & David Picariello (Father Judge '24, @daves_captures)
BY: JOHN KNEBELS
PHILADELPHIA – There’s really no way to prove it because Philadelphia Catholic League football has been around for more than a century.
However, in all due respect to the thousands of PCL players who have strapped on variously sized gridiron gear since 1920, it’s hard to believe that Friday night’s packed house at Ramp Playground had not witnessed a first-ever occurrence during Roman Catholic’s 41-7 Red Division win over Father Judge.
“I’d have to believe it’s some kind of a record,” said Roman junior wide receiver Tyseer Denmark. “It’s hard to imagine that happening before.”
Following a plodding first two quarters, it took Roman Catholic less than 10 minutes of the third quarter to turn a 13-7 halftime edge into a 41-7 romp. The “record” debate involved Roman’s first touchdowns of the decisive quarter.
Briefly subbing for freshman starter Semaj Beals, senior Jamir Robertson moved over from his running back position to assume control. On his first pass, he found Denmark for a five-yard touchdown toss. The clock read “9:07.”
On Roman’s ensuing kickoff, Father Judge (2-4 overall, 0-1 Division) inexplicably let the ball bounce to the 17, and Roman Catholic (5-1, 1-0) took advantage of the gaffe and recovered there. Since the clock doesn’t start on kickoffs, it still read “9:07.” On the first play from scrimmage, Robertson fired a pass to Denmark, who caught the ball inside the five, stopped, ran, and dove into the end zone.
The clock read “8:58,” so not only had Roman Catholic scored two touchdowns in nine seconds, both came courtesy of the same battery – Robertson to Denmark. The odds of that having happened before are miniscule.
“They were playing man to man,” said Robertson. “When you have the best player in the country, you throw it to him every time."
ROman Catholic vs. Father Judge - PSD Highlights by David Picariello & John KNebels
QB Jamir Robertson (L) and Tyseer Denmark connected on two touchdown passes 9 seconds apart, a probable PCL Record - PSD Video by John KNebels
Beals obviously concurred.
Less than four minutes later, Beals found Denmark on a short route, and the electric All-Catholic did the rest. Avoiding several would-be tacklers with deft shiftiness, Denmark eventually sped down the left sideline for a 71-yard touchdown – his third score in 3 minutes, 40 seconds.
Denmark finished with five catches for 127 yards. Also having thrown a 20-yard touchdown pass to junior Trey Woodley in the second quarter, Beals completed 15 of 19 throws for 285 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to his two touchdown throws, Robertson rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown. Senior Mao Howell rushed for 54 yards and scored the game’s final touchdown.
Roman Catholic coach Rick Prete lauds all three phases of the Cahillites' performance - PSD video by John Knebels
Jordan Montgomery helped the defense hold Father Judge scoreless over the last 3 quarters - PSD Video by John Knebels
“That’s a well coached team,” said Roman coach Rick Prete. “They do a good job. Coming into a game like this, you have to be ready for anything.
“We started off slow. We spoke at halftime about going back to what we do – be explosive. I think we did it in all three phases. Very excited to see our kids turn it on in the third quarter.”
Among Roman’s unsung heroes was senior Eddie Figueroa. The senior wide receiver caught five passes for 75 yards and added a magnificent two-point conversion run that necessitated carrying two Crusaders into the end zone.
“Eddie’s been in the program since freshman year,” said Prete. “He works his tail off. Eddie’s gonna fight. That’s kind of the identity of our entire program. To see him make something out of nothing on that play was kinda huge.”
Roman Catholic vs. Father Judge - Gallery by Father Judge Jr. Reporter David Picariello
After an interception by senior Tearran Peete set up Father Judge for an early 7-0 lead, the Cahillites’ defense kept the Crusaders from threatening. Two early interceptions by Roman junior Will Felder helped set the tone.
The Cahillites surrendered only 160 yards of total offense.
“They feel each other’s energy,” said Prete. “They play off of each other. We try to keep things simple and let the talent take over.”
Senior linebacker Jordan Montgomery prefers that approach.
“We started kinda slow,” said Montgomery, “and then everybody stepped up. Everybody held their own. Everybody did their job. Everybody bought into it.
“Everybody did their thing. Special teams stepped up. Defense stepped up. Offense stepped up. But we still have a lot of work to do.”
Roman’s next challenge is against Archbishop Wood on October 8 at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Father Judge hosts non-league foe Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy on Friday.
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)