For one thing, other than raising their Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division record to 5-0 following a convincing 28-14 win at Conwell-Egan, the Saints technically had not clinched a PCL championship. Though it would require a miraculous set of circumstances to prevent Neumann-Goretti from a title, the Saints still need one more win or a Bonner-Prendergast loss to mathematically cement its fourth crown in six seasons.

There’s also the prospect of what occurs after the PCL season concludes next weekend. The Saints’ main goal is to finish the season as the best Class 3A team in the state of Pennsylvania and finally expel the sour taste of coming within a whisker of seizing PIAA glory last fall. 

“We want to wrap up the Catholic League,” senior linebacker/edge Karmon Bambara said. “Then we will focus on getting back to states and finishing what we started last season.”

“Going into a game, our defense is held to a standard to dominate whoever is in front of us,” Bambara said. “Once we get in the game, we feel like no team can stop any of our guys one-on-one. We have great athletes on every level of the defense. After games, we still look back at film to see where we can improve individually and as a unit.”

In other PCL Blue Division action, Bonner-Prendergast (4-1) kept its slim division hopes alive by upending host Lansdale Catholic, 28-7. Quarterback Kenjai Gatling completed 9 of 14 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Noel Campbell entered in relief and kept the show going with a pair of scoring passes.

“The (previous week) loss against Neumann was disappointing,” said B-P senior Ausin Cannon, who caught a six-yard touchdown. “Since then, I knew we had to come back from that and play even better and stay on top the rest of the season. That is what we did and breezed through Lansdale.”

With Chris Dalton collecting 102 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, and Damien Morgan returning an interception for a touchdown, Archbishop Ryan (2-3) stopped West Catholic, 20-0, holding the Burrs (0-5) to 113 scrimmage yards. The Raiders’ last shutout, a 35-0 win over Frankford, occurred in the 2018 season opener. 

“I was in a flat zone but I saw a wheel, so I picked that up since I had nothing in my zone,” said Morgan, describing his second career pick six. “The quarterback trusted his guy, but I jumped it and intercepted it. After that I had to find a way to get in the end zone, so I did . . . and the team was having fun. I definitely could not have done it without the defense putting them in third down and blocking for me after the interception.”

“Our defense put us in great positions for the offense to succeed,” Welde said. “Our defense has had two shutouts in two huge games. Our offensive line gave me enough time to throw the ball and gave our running backs great blocks. We are all having fun this year competing and playing together and growing as a team. 

“Our coaches put in a ton of work, getting the right guys in the right position to make big plays. All the hard work throughout the offseason is what led us to the position we are in now. We are coming together as a team.”

Sidwar credited teammates’ strength and speed as his major benefactors.

“It all starts up front with the big guys,” Sidwar said. “They set the tone, create the running lanes, and keep the pocket clean.  With the weapons we have on the outside, teams can’t stack the box on us,which allows the running game to open up.  

“(Receivers) Chris Fileppo, Jules McFadden, JP Oates, Joey O’Brien, and Nick Swanson did a great job putting pressure on the secondary and getting open. Des (Ortiz) capitalized on his opportunity of getting his first varsity start and showed what he can do.”

McFadden appreciated the shoutout.

“It feels so good when everything is in sync,” McFadden said. “Our run game sets up our pass. This way, it opens up the field and allows us to run RPOs (run-pass-options) and keep the defense on their toes at all times.”

Senior Machi Holland helped solidify the oft-ignored special teams.

Buoyed by dozens of offensive highlights, St. Joseph’s Prep (3-0) spread the wealth in a 55-19 win over visiting Father Judge. While their offense dominated with 197 yards on 18 rushes, and 176 yards on seven completions, eight different Hawks reached the end zone.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see,” star senior cornerback Omilio Agard said. “We all go through the same hard work and practices, so when everyone can play and contribute on the field, it makes you happy. When there is no dropoff from the starters and two’s, then that’s when you know how good of a team you can be. It’s a brotherhood like no other . . . with great coaches.”