PIAA 6A Champions: St. Joe’s Prep seniors (pictured from left to right) Tyrek Henry, D’Andre Swift, James Johnson and Richard Carr - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
PHILADELPHIA –
When the football season started and long-range predictions centered around likely state championship contenders, St. Joseph’s Prep and Archbishop Wood were two of the programs destined for greatness.
Neither team disappointed.
The Prep engineered one of the finest all-around seasons in Pennsylvania history. Punctuated by whipping Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 42-7, in the PIAA Class 6A final on December 10 for their third state title in four seasons, the Hawks finished 14-0, thus tying for the best record in Catholic League history.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Wood started off with two losses (one against the Prep) and a tie. After that, the Vikings regained their composure. An 11-game winning streak included a 37-10 demolition of Harrisburg in the PIAA Class 5A final on December 9. During their 5-0 postseason, which provided them with their third title in four years and fourth in six, the Vikings outscored their opponents, 232-48.
It’s been more than a month since those two esteemed programs left Hershey and headed east. Many of the players are now playing a different sport; others have needed the time to heal.
Proud moment as the Hawks hoist the PIAA 6A trophy surrounding head coach Gabe Infante - PSD photo Brandon Stivers
Archbishop Wood celebrates after winning the PIAA 5A state championship – PSD photo by Brandon Stivers
With so much time to reflect and reminisce, several championship participants were asked one question: What do you remember most about winning the 2016 state title? Below are their responses.
Archbishop Wood
Senior Raheem Blackshear, a first-team All-Catholic running back who rushed for 243 yards and three of his 25 touchdowns in the state final – “Just being out on the field with all my brothers. It was fun and something I will never forget.”
Wood senior co-caption Anthony Diodato poses with 5A championship trophy
Wood senior receiver, Mark Webb, leads the Vikings on the field in the 5A state title game – PSD photo by Brandon Stivers
Senior Anthony Diodato, a first-team All-Catholic on both offensive line and defensive line, and co-captain – “Getting pulled out and looking up at the stands and realizing that we did it. That was probably what sticks out most for me.”
Senior two-way lineman Anthony Manero – “I'm gonna remember how a lot of people doubted us, but we fought back. We had a rocky start but we all knew the season wasn't close to over. These have been the greatest four years of my life and I wouldn't trade anything in the world for it.”
Senior Shawn Thompson, a first-team All-Catholic running back who gained 133 yards and scored one of his 20 touchdowns in the state final – “I will also remember the rough beginning we had, which we had to overcome. We all just picked each other up and were determined to get better every day.”
Head coach Steve Devlin, whose 10-year record is comprised by a gaudy 120-20-1 overall record with eight Catholic League championships and four state titles – “I will remember a team that worked so hard, developed, and got better each week. To say you want to play your best football at the end of year is one thing, but to actually have it happen is a credit to the hard work the players put in. We had great leadership.”
St. Joseph’s Prep
Senior Ryan Bryce, a first-team All-Catholic defensive lineman – “I remember the team dinners before the game, as well as the friendship we all share. Just the overall camaraderie is what I will remember the most.”
Junior Marquez McCray, a first-team All-Catholic quarterback – “The thing I will most remember is the brotherhood. We spent what felt like every hour we could together since last January, so the bond we have will never be broken or forgotten.”
SJP co-captain, James Johnson - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Senior Jackson Evans, a first-team All-Catholic offensive lineman and co-captain – “What I will remember most is the excitement of finishing the state championship game, and walking off the field with my team before the game began – our arms locked – and you could feel the trust and love radiating off each player as we prepared to play our final game together.”
Senior James Johnson, a first-team All-Catholic linebacker and co-captain, who accrued 13 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in the state final – “The confidence we had in ourselves and the trust we had in each other were remarkable, and I will remember each step we made together.”
SJP co-captain, Richard Carr - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Senior Terrence Green, a first-team All-Catholic receiver and co-captain, who scored two touchdowns in the state final – “Team dinners . . . the last seconds of the state championship . . . dumping Gatorade on Coach Gabe . . . hard practices, and how they were definitely worth it in the long run.”
Senior Richard Carr, a first-team All-Catholic defensive back and co-captain – “What I remember most about winning the PIAA state title was the clock hitting zero and finishing out my senior season with my brothers the way we planned and talked about since last January. Realizing at that moment that everything we talked about, everything we worked for, the sacrifices we made, the 6 am practices in the summer and the overall work we put in for so long paid off in that moment.”
SJP co-captain, D'Andre Swift - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Senior Mack Grey, a first-team All-Catholic center and co-captain – “Our team's victory over Don Bosco. The senior class had gone through three years of tough losses to this opponent and to beat them our senior year to start the season off was amazing.”
Senior D’Andre Swift, a first-team All-Catholic running back and co-captain, who collected 167 yards and three touchdowns, finishing the season with 30 scores – “Sharing this experience with my brothers was unforgettable.”
Senior running back Khari Jones – “The hard work we put in. The practices, the many hours of film and preparation. It's a good feeling to realize that all of your hard work actually paid off in the end.”
Head coach Gabe Infante, whose seven-year record includes a 65-21 overall record, three league titles, and three state championships – “What I will remember most was the way our kids bought in to the message and how they persevered through so much adversity. They were consistent in their approach, and the results proved it. It was amazing to see them grow into amazing young men before my very eyes.”
(Any player from Archbishop Wood or St. Joe’s Prep who would like their reflection added can contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com.)
