Varsity Football Gears Up For Postseason Run
The Varsity Football team is roaring into the postseason as the No. 1 seed, hosting a semifinal playoff game vs. Chaminade on November 14.
Lions put the League on Notice for Playoffs after Clinching the 1 Seed
The Varsity Football Lions secured the No. 1 seed in New York after a dominant 38–13 victory over Cardinal Hayes on Nov. 1, Senior Night, finishing the regular season 8–1.
As with all home games the stands were overflowing with their loyal 12th man, family and friends from neighboring schools. Their season was defined by big matchups against top-ranked opponents, including the St. Anthony’s Friars (No. 3 in New York) and Iona Prep Gaels (No. 1 at the time).
In a tense showdown against St. Anthony’s, the Lions defense set the tone early with key fourth-down stops and a blocked extra point that in the fourth quarter. After a back-and-forth battle, the Friars missed a potential game-winning field goal in the final seconds, giving the Lions a dramatic victory, 21–20.
"From day one, they’ve bought in, trusted each other, and played for something bigger than themselves..."
- Rocco Del Priore, '05, Varsity Football Head Coach
With their strong defense, explosive offense, and resilience under pressure, the Lions proved themselves as one of the top teams in the league hoping to make a deep run in playoffs.
Another season defining game for the Lions was against the Iona Prep Gaels, who were the No. 1 team at the time. The Gaels have statistically the best offense in the league averaging 42 points a game.
Quarterback Bryce Moye connected with Gianni Pasqualone for a 51-yard touchdown putting the Lions up 7-0. The Gaels tied the game up on their next possession. The Gaels missed an important field goal before going into halftime. The Lions scored two more in the 3rd quarter and one in the 4th, with close to eight minutes left to play, putting them up 28-7. The Gaels score two more in the 4th quarter, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Lions.
Senior Kevin Gumb has been a standout player for the Lions this year as the team's leading rusher. (Photo: SI Live)
The Lions steamrolling every opponent so far and plan to in the playoffs as well.
"Really couldn’t prouder of how far this group has come," said Varisty Head Coach Rocco Del Priore, '05. "From day one, they’ve bought in, trusted each other, and played for something bigger than themselves, which we say is Farrell.
"We've faced adversity and kept getting better every week. Now, heading into playoffs, our mentality is simple – stay humble, stay hungry, and keep playing Farrell football. We expect to our effort and out compete anyone."
As they head into playoffs they are the team to beat.
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.