PCL FOOTBALL: Incredible St. Joe's Prep Win over Roman in the Red; Championship Bout Awaits in the Blue

Photos: Andrew Zimmerman & Ryan Nix

By: John Knebels

CHESTER, PA – Those who witnessed the event have not stopped talking bout it.

It had everything — big plays, wild swings, and the kind of drama that makes high school football unforgettable.

Under the chilly October 10 night lights at Widener University, St. Joseph’s Prep edged Roman Catholic, 40–39, in double overtime, capping one of the most chaotic, heart-stopping Catholic League football games in recent memory.

The Hawks jumped out to a 13–0 lead, only for the Cahillites to meticulously claw back, tying the game 27-27, at the end of regulation. From there, the night veered into pure madness — momentum shifts, gutsy calls, and exhausted players leaving everything on the field.

Prep senior Khyan Billups powered through the Roman defense for a career-best 204 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Junior quarterback Charlie Foulke added 205 yards – most of them to junior wide receiver Alston Frisbey – and three touchdowns through the air.

Roman’s no-huddle attack pushed the tempo all night, forcing the Prep defense — and even the officials — to hustle to keep pace.

The Cahillites received huge efforts senior quarterback Semaj Beals (20-44, 332 yards, five TDs), senior Ash Roberts (7 catches, 162 yards, three scores), senior Eyan Stead (7 catches, 162 yards), and junior Eisa Nealy (two TDs), keeping Prep’s defense on its heels. The Cathillites’ crisp execution and relentless rhythm had the crowd roaring as Roman appeared poised to snap a pair of streaks — clinching their first Red Division title since 2007 and beating the Prep for the first time since 2011.

But a blocked extra-point attempt by senior Brendan Flaherty – who earlier saved the game with a pass deflection in the end zone during the closing seconds of regulation – and then the game-winning extra point by senior Luke Cochrane diminished those hopes.

Frisbey said the emotional stakes elevated everything.

“I just feel like our coaches put us in great positions and our playmakers made plays,” said Frisbey. “It was a great atmosphere and that made it even more intense.

“Honestly, I had a lot of fun playing in that type of game. Those are the ones you dream about as a kid — big moments, close scores, high energy. When you’re out there, you’re locked in, but at the same time, you appreciate how special it is to compete in that kind of atmosphere.”

St. Joseph's Prep vs. Roman Catholic - PSD Game Highlights by John Knebels

St. Joseph's Prep vs. Roman Catholic - PSD Gallery by SJP Jr. Reporter Andrew Zimmerman

While the victory thrilled the Prep faithful, it wasn’t enough to overcome the mathematical tiebreaker for the Red Division championship. Because of earlier results — Prep’s 31–20 loss to La Salle, and La Salle’s 39–36 loss to Roman— the final standings came down to point differential among the trio. The numbers told the story: La Salle plus-eight, Roman plus-two, Prep minus-10.

SJP's Luke Cochrane made the most of his biggest moment, booting the game-winning extra point in the second overtime - PSD Video by John Knebels:

SJP quarterback Charlie Foulke outlasted a formidable effort by his opponent - PSD video by John Knebels

Typically classy despite heartbreaking defeat, Roman Catholic Coach Rick Prete maintains perspective while lauding his always improving players:

Two mega-clutch plays by Brendan Flaherty saved the Prep from defeat - PSD Video by John Knebels

That means, barring a major upset, La Salle will secure its second straight division championship. But that doesn’t end the rivalry. On November 1, the Prep and La Salle will square off at Villanova University to determine which Class 6A program advances to the PIAA District 12 final — the next step toward a state tournament, where the Prep has dominated for more than a decade, collecting nine state titles along the way.

The result even had La Salle players watching with mixed emotions.

“It was definitely weird,” said La Salle senior lineman Grayson McKeogh, who followed the back-and-forth battle on social media, then helped take care of business with a 42-0 romp past Bonner-Prendergast one day later. “But the second that game was over, I had to remind myself of the main goal.”

Despite the unusual route to the title, McKeogh said the achievement still carries meaning.

“It’s still an accomplishment, but it definitely means there’s room for improvement,” he said. “We just have to keep the main goal of a state championship in front of our heads.”

Three rivals. Two overtimes. One unforgettable night.

For everyone who witnessed it, Prep vs. Roman wasn’t just a football game — it was a story of endurance, pride, and what makes the Catholic League one of the most dramatic stages in Pennsylvania sports.

La Salle vs. Bonner-Prendergast - PSD Gallery by Ryan Nix

Blue Division Title on the Line

The numbers, the anticipation, and the stakes all point to one undeniable truth: something’s got to give.

When Lansdale Catholic and Archbishop Ryan meet 3:00 on October 18 at Northeast High School with the Catholic League Blue Division championship on the line, it won’t just be another regular season finale — it’ll be a clash of pride, progress, and programs both heading in positive directions, yet meeting at the same peak moment.

Both teams have been perfect through four division games. Ryan, the defending champion, has bulldozed opponents by a combined 146-52 margin, while Lansdale Catholic has outscored its foes by 97-42. The winner claims the Blue Division crown — for Ryan, a second straight; for Lansdale Catholic, the first in school history.

“It is a very exciting week for all of the guys,” said Ryan senior two-way end Danny Celins. “As one of the leaders, I will make sure everyone is locked in.”

Celins and his teammates know that last year’s championship run has become part of Ryan lore, but this group — as he points out — has its own identity.

“I wouldn’t say it has helped us,” said Celins. “We have completely different new players for the most part.”

Even so, the school buzzes with energy. “School does talk about it as well as all the players in school,” Celins added. “I’m hoping for a good crowd.”

Ryan’s success, he said, starts in the trenches.
“It makes teams uncomfortable to pass the ball against our secondary,” said Celins. “We’ve bought into what the coaches are teaching.”

Across the line of scrimmage, Lansdale Catholic senior Braeden Smith can hardly contain his excitement. For him, this week isn’t just about football — it’s about transformation.

“This is honestly one of the most exciting things for all of us in our high school careers,” said Smith. “The year before us seniors came in, we were 1-9. We really changed the program around and all stuck to it. With great coaching and a lot of hard work and dedication, we all pushed ourselves and had the same goal that we would get to where we are now.”

Smith and his teammates understand the history at stake.

“This would also be the first time in LC football history to win the PCL championship,” he said. “So we’re not just doing it for ourselves. We are doing it for everyone that has worn the LC uniform and been a part of the rare breed. We’re all really focusing up and looking forward to a great week of practice and a great game this Saturday.”

Two teams. One title. And a shared sense of destiny.

Saturday’s showdown might be a regular season game on the schedule — but for both programs, it already feels like championship weekend.

(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)