By: David Fehr
PHILADELPHIA – On Friday, Oct, 26, on a brisk and chilly night, Father Judge High School took on Archbishop Wood High School. Both teams know each other well, which added fuel to the fire, but it was also Father Judge’s homecoming football game.
Many thought Judge had no chance to win this game coming in, especially after the lopsided defeat they took against Archbishop Wood last year. By the end of the first quarter, Judge looked to be in it, leading 7-6.
At the start of the second quarter, Archbishop Wood and their heavy running attack, led by running back Tom Santiago, chewed time off the clock and scored a touchdown making the score 13-7 Archbishop Wood.
Archbishop Wood vs. Father Judge Game Highlights:
As it looked like Archbishop Wood had finally taken control of the game, quarterback Jack Colyar threw an interception to Judge’s Shane McGovern, who returned it deep into Wood territory.
On the last drive before half, McGovern found himself in the back of the end zone catching a touchdown pass as time expired, and Judge went into the half up 14-13.
“I saw who their number one receiver was. I just read the quarterback’s eyes and baited him into throwing it,” said McGovern.
The second half did not go as well for Judge as the first half did, thanks to huge rushing efforts from Santiago and the Wood offensive line.
“I give all the credit to my line. They just open up the holes for me and I just hit them,” said Santiago.
Father Judge junior WR/S Shane McGovern talks about his interception:
In the fourth quarter, it was all about Santiago and that offensive line. Santiago finished with almost 300 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense did not give up a score.
Archbishop Wood went on to win the game handedly 31-14 due to a Santiago touchdown, an interception returned for a touchdown, and field goal in the second half.
Head coach Kyle Adkins was please at the end of the game with how his team responded to early adversity.
“I think we took care of the ball and didn’t have as many mental mistakes and just communication breakdowns. If we can take care of the ball and get to our right assignments we will be okay,” said Adkins.