Heading into this season, the Saints established two major goals – dethrone defending champion Bonner-Prendergast and return the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division title back to South Philadelphia, and weeks later, seize the state title.

Friday night (10/13), Neumann-Goretti could assure itself of the first goal by defeating host Conwell-Egan. The Saints put themselves in the driver’s seat with last week’s 6-0 win over Bonner-Prendergast, thus ending the Friars’ 15-game division winning streak. Mehki Watson’s 41-yard touchdown pass to Ahmaj Gowens served as the defensive battle’s only score.

“Both defenses played great,” N-G coach Albie Crosby said. “In the end, defenses separate teams.”

During their five-game winning streak, the Saints have amassed three shutouts and allowed only two touchdowns. Moving forward, Crosby reminded his troops not to take anything for granted.

Though not in the running for a division title, Cardinal O’Hara continued to display its vast improvement from last year.

Behind a career-best performance by junior Logan Maloney and strong running by Keon Powell, the Lions stunned visiting Conwell-Egan, 14-13, thus improving their overall record to 4-3 and division mark to 2-2.

After having earlier snagged a 50-yard, perfectly flung, over-the-shoulder touchdown pass from quarterback John Welde, Maloney clinched the victory with an interception in the final two minutes.

“It was definitely a big morale boost for everyone,” said Maloney, who was filling in at cornerback while the regular starter was being checked for concussion symptoms. “They were 3-0 in the PCL and beat us last year, 49-6. It’s a really good feeling seeing O’Hara turning around, and also being a part of it.”

Trailing 18-14 after two quarters, the Patriots – aided via blocked punts by Tony Williams and Shyneem Newsome, one that resulted in a safety – outscored the Burrs, 15-0, to take a 29-18 lead. A last-minute touchdown by West quarterback Kal-El Durham (two touchdowns passing; two TDs rushing) precipitated an onside kick that was recovered by the Patriots. 

“We needed that win to keep team morale up and get momentum into this week, especially because we play O’Hara,” Wright said. “It’s the biggest game of the year, so winning definitely gives us something to build on.”

Carroll coach Kyle Detweiler lauded the Patriots’ opponent.

“Credit to West Catholic,” Detweiler said. “We knew that it was going to be a fight for four quarters. They are a better team than their record would indicate. Every game we’ve played this season has been a one-score game at halftime. We talked about, ‘Let’s win the third quarter first, and then we win the game,’ and we did that. Proud of the effort and the continued growth from this young bunch.

“It’s always good when I play good, but it wouldn’t be possible without the guys up front and my teammates who help me throughout the week on scout team by giving us different looks,” said Streeter, who scored three touchdowns in three different ways in the season opener – rush, reception, and fumble return. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think those touchdowns would be possible. But the guys up front and my coaches believe in me so much that they know once the guys up front get me to the second level, I can make moves and do what I do best.”

“The run game opens up the pass game, and vice versa,” Meehan said. “Being able to run the ball really expands our playbook and gives us more time to set up for big plays like we had.”

In the Red Division, Roman Catholic (2-0) dominated Archbishop Wood, 34-3. Quarterback Semaj Beals fired three touchdowns passes and collected 328 yards passing, one of them to Jay Ford King (two catches, 119 yards). For Wood, Kevin Griffin nabbed an interception.