The 2009/2010 Senior Saints football team was an interesting case. In the first week of practice, the team struggled with numbers, often having less than 20 players dressed for practice. Still, with some core talent returning and the addition of some new and promising talent, hopes for the season were growing. The merging of the Newman and Wilson Conferences meant a more balanced schedule and that the team would have some time to grow and possibly compete for one of two titles based on their success. The season opened with a 35-7
win over the Riverside Rebels where the Saints offense pretty much had their way with the Rebels. Quarterback Dean Silvaggi lit up the Rebels defense with both his arm and his feet connecting on several passes to Fil Bonadonna, and running back Ryan Bortolussi made the offense look like a two-headed monster with his tough style of running. But that victory was short-lived as the Saints followed that dominant performance with six quarters of uninspired football, losing 50-0 to Villanova and giving Kennedy a huge first half lead before coming back and falling just short of a game-tying TD on the Clippers’ 25 yard line. That comeback however, served as the inspiration necessary for the Saints to realize their potential to compete at the Division 1 level against rival Catholic Central. The Comets featured one of this area’s best
offensive weapons and the game turned into one of the most memorable WECSSAA football games in the league’s history, with Bonadonna scoring on a twice lateraled kickoff return with no time on the clock to give the Saints the victory 36-35. The regular season ended with a very decisive game against the Brennan Cardinals with the winner moving up to the Division 1 playoffs and the loser moving on to the Division 2 playoffs. In a show of real character, the Saints went to Brennan and dominated the Cardinals 31-0 thus earning their 5th place ranking out of all 18 teams. This win set up a date with perennial powerhouse Holy Name and despite their best efforts the Saints fell short 26-13. The coaches would like to congratulate the graduating players and the following all-stars: PJ Grant, 2nd team DE, Tyler Quinn, 1st team DT, Alex Bulcke, 1st team C, Dean Silvaggi, 1st team QB, and Filippo Bonadonna, 1st team DB.
David Fuerth |
