Notre Dame-GP rallies behind backup QB
There was extra joy in the Notre Dame-Green Pond postgame huddle two Fridays back. It had nothing to do with beating the Pirates or rebounding after a home loss the week before.
The Crusaders were thrilled for junior quarterback Danny Darno, who played well in his first varsity start.
“We asked a lot of upperclassmen, veterans to rally around Danny, help him out,” coach Phil Stambaugh said. “To see how excited they were for him, the relationship they have with him and [2019 graduate and older brother] Andrew, you connect the dots and see that was a special moment.”
No one was happier for Darno than senior receiver Nadir Sanders and senior lineman Josh Hoffert. David Sanders, Nadir’s older brother, was Andrew Darno’s teammate. Hoffert also worked with the older Darno.
“Everyone rallied around [Danny],” Stambaugh added. “The offensive line held him accountable in the huddle because he was to be the leader. It was special to see.”
Danny Darno completed 16 of 24 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in the 24-14 win over Palisades.
No one associated with the Crusaders program wanted to see Darno get the opportunity the way he did. Senior starter Collin Quintano suffered a left leg injury in the fourth quarter of the North Schuylkill loss. His return remains uncertain.
But the Crusaders are happy to see Darno succeed.
He helped Notre Dame-GP to another win in his second start, 45-20 Saturday at Pen Argyl.
“It is a good preview of what’s to come in his career,” Stambaugh said. “We don’t want Collin injured. When Collin comes back, [he starts]. Danny understands that. Collin is rehabbing. We’re hoping to get him back at some point. We don’t know when.”
Stambaugh is encouraged by Notre Dame-GP’s performance in practices and games since the North Schuylkill loss. The Crusaders struggled in every facet of the game against the unbeaten Spartans.