PHILADELPHIA – For the 2017-18 school year, the Northeast Classic trophy will be making its way from Solly Avenue to Academy Road. Archbishop Ryan defeated Father Judge 20-13 Friday evening in a highly anticipated rivalry match-up. The game was played at Northeast High School, which is often used as the home field for both teams. This year, Judge was the “home” team, but it was Ryan who left with bragging rights and the coveted trophy to be displayed at school.
Justin Collier's 4th quarter interception seals the deal for Ryan's 20-13 victory (video by Jackie Schaeffer)
It was a packed house on both sides with very excited and noisy friends, family and students in the stands. The warm weather was an added bonus as both teams took the field eager for a win. Not only was this a huge rivalry game, but it also marked the beginning of PCL play, as both teams are in the Red division of the Catholic league.
Ryan held off a late drive by Judge that could have sent the game into overtime. Justin Collier took a leap of faith and intercepted the ball, causing a frenzy on the Raiders sideline.
Archbishop Ryan senior wide receiver/linebacker, Xavier King, was thrilled to come away with the win.
“We have been preparing for this game by just focusing on us and what we need to do to perform well and come out with the win,” said King. “We went into the game worrying about what we each needed to do as part of a team to win and tonight we showed everyone what we worked so hard for.”
Ryan senior running back Jason Jefferson started the scoring by taking the ball into the end zone in under 2 minutes in the first quarter. The extra point by George Karusky was good, putting Ryan in the lead 7-0.
Ryan’s Colin Boyd was the second Raider to find the end zone, which was then followed by a missed extra point. Father Judge tightened the gap, as quarterback Shane Dooley found Steve Arrington 40-yards down the field for the touchdown. The Crusader’s missed the extra point, leading to a score of 13-6.
Ryan vs. Judge - Photos by Jackie Schaeffer
However, Ryan wasn’t done scoring in the first half. Raiders quarterback Jahlil Sanders ran into the end zone with 16 seconds left in the half, sending his team into the locker room with a 20-6 lead.
Judge’s defense kept Ryan from scoring any more points in the remainder of the game. Mark Maguire scored for the Crusaders making the score 20-13 in the fourth quarter. With under a minute to play, Judge made one last attempt to tie the game. Dooley took a long shot down the middle of the field, which was then picked off by Collier who calmed the nerves of all Raiders fans in attendance.
The 2017 Northeast Classic ended with a final score: Ryan 20 – Judge 13.
After the game, King credited his team’s success to Ryan’s offensive line.
“We depend on our line a lot, and without them we won’t win. They are a major factor for our team,” added King.
Looking Ahead: On Saturday, Ryan will travel to Plymouth-Whitemarsh to play La Salle at 7PM. Father Judge will also play at 7PM on Saturday in a non-league game against Salesianum (DE) at Northeast High School.
-This story was written by Archbishop Ryan Jr. Reporter Jackie Schaeffer. Any student interested in reporting for their school, please email phillysportsdigest@gmail.com for more information-