D'Andre Swift and Terrance Greene celebrate during St. Joseph's Prep's 35-14 victory against La Salle College High School.
NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL - Friday night for the St. Joe’s Prep football team meant another matchup against rival La Salle. The Hawks earned a 28-point victory in the matchup earlier in the season. This time around the season was on the line. The winner of this game would move onto the District 12 Championship.
With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, running back D’Andre Swift ran 42 yards and front flipped into the end zone. Despite the penalty he received, head coach Gabe Infante was all smiles as The Prep was able to walk away with a 35-14 win and continue their pursuit for a perfect season.
“It’s big because we get to move forward and stay with each other more,” Hawks’ wide receiver Terrance Greene said. “I love this team and I’m just grateful for everyday with them.”
The game began with an uncharacteristically slow start for the Hawks on both sides of the ball. On the Explorers first offensive possession, senior running back Syaire Madden ran for a 53-yard touchdown to take the early 7-0 lead. The Hawks couldn’t put points on the board until midway through the second quarter when quarterback Marquez McCray found Terrance Greene in the back of the end zone. The Prep’s defense made a couple more stops before halftime, allowing Swift get into the end zone to give the Hawks a 14-7 lead.
In the third quarter, the Hawks’ front four, led by seniors Jake Ballard and Chris Lowndes, was able to get pressure on quarterback Thomas LaMorte. Ballard recovered the ball after the Hawks’ defense stripped Madden. This paved the way to another Greene touchdown to give the Hawks a 20-6 lead going into the final quarter.
The Explorers were not out of it yet, despite the Hawks’ 20 unanswered points. Madden found the end zone early in the fourth to make it a one-score game. The Prep found itself in a situation similar to last year’s loss in the Philadelphia Catholic League championship game against the Explorers, but this time around the defense remained stout. Swift took over the game on offense, scoring two touchdowns.
“All of our senior captains showed great leadership,” coach Gabe Infante said. “The team just kept responding all night long. I’m very proud of them.”
Stats Recap Prep- QB McCray 13-24, 156 yards, 2 TDs; RB Swift 18 Carries, 193 yards, 3 TDs; WR Greene 8 Receptions, 104 yards, 2 TDs.
Stats Recap La Salle- QB LaMorte 11-30, 91 yards, 1 INT; RB Madden 28 Carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs, 1 FUM.
Looking Ahead - The Prep Hawks will be playing the Northeast High School Vikings at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Northeast High School for the District 12 Championship. The winner of this game will move onto the State Semifinals in hopes of journeying to Hershey, PA for a shot at the State Championship. If you can’t make it to the game, make sure to tune into the broadcast here.