Judge Prevails In Northeast Philadelphia Football Classic
Father Judge opens season with a 20-14 victory against Archbishop Ryan.
For Father Judge, winning their first game meant more than just starting their season with a typical "W."
After going 0-3 in the Catholic League last season and having an overall record of 5-7, the Crusaders wanted to come out strong and respected.
Father Judge defeats Archbishop Ryan 20-14 to kickoff Catholic League football. - PSD Photo
Judge senior, Jamal Cooley, was injured during the Crusaders first scrimmage and wanted nothing more than to play on the field alongside his teammates during their first game. Cooley explained that his teammates wanted to come out and make a much needed statement to start their 2015 season.
"All year we had teammates transfer out and we really had to overcome adversity," said Cooley, who played as a defensive back. "Our whole motto this off season and going into this year is to prove everyone wrong who is doubting us. Our coach (Mike McKay) always tells us to stay positive."
Cooley explained that his teammates Yee Dee Thaenrat (RB) and Noah Rainbow Douglas (DB) have been driving forces behind the Crusaders momentum.
Going into the half, the Crusaders held a 7-point lead with a score of 14-7.
Justin Gies, a junior wide receiver and defensive back for Father Judge, intercepted Archbishop Ryan quarterback, Matt Romano, and took it to the house to put the Crusaders up 20-14 with 6 minutes left in the third quarter.
With a little over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Judge senior Tom Penko, intercepted Romano's pass in the end zone.
Final: Judge 20, Ryan 14
The Crusaders start their season undefeated overall.
A true act of sportsmanship shown by J. Gies toward his teammate J. Cooley.