Article by Phoenix writer Caitlin Hanratty ’25:
On Saturday the Varsity Football team defeated the Vikings of St. Joseph’s by the Sea by a score of 28 to 7.
After surrendering a first quarter touchdown, Senior Kevin McGrory led the Firebird defensive effort with 11 tackles and 2 pass breakups to keep the opposing Vikings scoreless for the remainder of the game. Fellow Seniors Ryan Galla and Jake Grimm added a combined 12 tackles of their own to aid in the exceptional effort.
For the Firebird’s offense it was the work of linemen Matt Iannicelli, Andrew Kaiser, Luke Fifield, Kareem Holland, Theo Tsiforas, and Connor Markey paving the way for over 300 total yards.
After surrendering the opening touchdown, the Birds immediately responded with running back Nick Kramer taking a carry down to the 1 yard line, and from there quarterback Kenny Noe finished off the drive to even the score. Coming out of halftime, Christian DaCosta broke off a return to midfield where later Brendan Galla would break the 7 to 7 tie with a 4 yard rushing touchdown of his own.
In the beginning of the 4th quarter, wide receiver Jack Geoghan would have the play of the night, hauling in a 43 yard bomb and taking it to the house to put the Firebirds up two scores. Running back Jack Barkley would cap off the scoring late in the game with a 19 yard rushing touchdown.
Senior Justin McKenzie remarks that, “The past few games have been great! The victory against St. Joseph’s has been a great turnaround from the first two losses of the season, and I can’t wait for more games. Looking forward to getting back in the Bird’s nest at Mitchell field this Saturday!”
Join Justin and the rest of the Kellenberg fanbase when the team is back in action Saturday at 5 o’clock at Mitchell field to host Chaminade in the breast cancer awareness pink out game.
