No. 1 CM opens with a flourish
Catholic Memorial followed a heartwarming tribute to the victims of Sept. 11 with an impressive performance.
Draped in red bandana uniforms to honor the heroism of Welles Crowther, Catholic Memorial put forth a spirited showing as JC Petrongolo, Jaedn Skeete, and Devon Marshall all tallied two scores to lead the No. 1 Knights to a 44-6 victory over Capital Prep (Conn.) on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in West Roxbury.
Crowther has been widely recognized over the years for his selfless act of courage on the day of the attacks as he sacrificed himself to save as many as 18 lives in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
“The significance of the Red Bandana, and the meaning of it is important and I think it teaches life long lessons to the kids,” Catholic Memorial coach John DiBiaso said. “No one remembers how many touchdowns you scored or sacks you had, you remember things like friendships you made. The legacy you leave as a person is what counts.”
With a large crowd on hand, Knights’ president Dr. Peter Folan pregame commemorated the victims on the 20th anniversary of the attacks. Folan gave recognition to a pair of Catholic Memorial alumni, John Cahill (’62) and Mark Bavis (’88) who were on United Airlines Flight 175 that crashed into the South Tower.
Bavis won a state championship with CM’s hockey team in 1986 and his wake was held at the school.
“For us September 11 is particularly powerful when considering losing two graduates is always something this school has memorialized,” Folan said at halftime. “It’s natural for us to remember the heroic acts of the first responders on that day and I think there is a moment of inspiration that can draw us all together.”
On the field, the Knights overwhelmed Capital Prep. In the first half the Knights scored six touchdowns while running just 10 plays from scrimmage.
Skeete opened the scoring on the fourth play of the game with a 25 yard catch and run for a score. After a safety stretched the Knights lead to 9-0, Marshall took the ensuing free kick 60 yards untouched to put CM on top 16-0. The Knights defense quickly forced a three-andout and Marshall again showed his special team talents taking a short punt 31 yards while tip-toeing down the sideline to stretch the Knights lead to 23.
Catholic Memorial added scores on an interception return from Skeete, a fouryard touchdown reception from Kole Osinubi, and a 29yard touchdown run by Carson Harwood to cap off its 44 point output in the opening half.