Bishop McDevitt Secures Third State Championship in Thrilling Overtime Victory
Bishop McDevitt High School triumphed over Roman Catholic in an exhilarating PIAA 5A state championship clash, clinching a 34-31 overtime win on a frigid night at Chapman Field. This victory marked the Crusaders’ third state title, showcasing the resilience and skill of their star players.
Quarterback Stone Saunders had a night to remember, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns, while also setting a new Pennsylvania high school record for career passing yardage with 13,719 yards, surpassing the previous record held by Steel-High’s Alex Erby. Jontai Quick played a pivotal role, leading the team with 129 receiving yards. His teammate, Dominic Diaz-Ellis, not only caught three passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns but also made a crucial interception on defense.
The game was a roller-coaster, especially in the second half. After establishing a 21-3 lead, McDevitt watched nervously as Roman Catholic surged back to close the gap at 21-17. Not to be outdone, McDevitt engineered a quick response, with Saunders connecting with Quick for significant gains. However, Roman Catholic rallied, including a pivotal 75-yard pick-six that shifted the score to 31-28 in their favor.
As time wound down, McDevitt managed to tie the game with a field goal by Aidan Grella, sending the contest into overtime. In the end, it was Grella who redeemed himself, landing a decisive field goal after missing a crucial attempt in regulation.
With significant contributions from players like Nazir Jones-Davis and Lucas Lawler, coach Jeff Weachter praised the team’s grit. After the final whistle, players expressed their gratitude and joy, emphasizing the special nature of their victory. The championship signifies a remarkable season for the Crusaders and a memorable moment in their storied football history.
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