La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 1995 · La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 1995 1 ... La Salle College High School Football: ... "We were passing the

La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 1995

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August 30, 1995, by Bill Iezzi, Inquirer

Huge Line To Lead Way For Explorers

La Salle's offensive line is so large this year it begs a nickname. The Terminators? Tanks? Tons of

Terror?

From left tackle to right tackle there are more than 1,300 pounds of beef, enough to start a stampede.

At left tackle, there is 6-foot-7, 300-pound Dave Wickersham. Bill Donohoe, a 6-foot, 260-pound guard,

crouches next to him. At center, 6-3, 252-pound Sean Hunsicker hunkers over the ball. Gene Syzmanski,

at 6-2, 225, plays right guard, and 6-1, 265-pound Dave DiLullo is the right tackle.

"Our quarterback doesn't get hit this year, and you can quote me on that," said Donohoe, a soft-spoken,

introspective young man who is the only returning offensive lineman with starting experience. "These

kids are massive, they have heart, and we're all learning. Once you make a couple of plays, you are

experienced as a starter."

Hunsicker and Syzmanski logged some playing time last year, but Donohoe started seven of the

Explorers' 10 games. He missed three with a shoulder injury.

Donohoe seems to be the stereotypical La Salle player. He is clean-cut, respectful, hard-working,

studious and loyal to the school, with deep roots in its tradition.

On a warm August evening, the player sat with his father, Bill Sr., on a sofa in their Northeast

Philadelphia rowhouse paging through two La Salle yearbooks. The 1971 book contained one photo of

Coach Joe Colistra teaching class and another of Bill Donohoe Sr., a defensive end. The 1943 book had

action shots of Tom Donohoe, Bill Sr.'s father, an offensive/defensive end and punter, as well as Paul

Gibbons, Bill Sr.'s father-in-law, a running back.

"I coached and taught his father," Colistra said of Bill Jr. "In his easygoing, classy style, he reminds me of

his father. He has all of his father's athletic skills.

"I hate to use a cliche, but he is the kind of kid you would like your daughter to meet - nice, cooperative.

He's everyone's friend. He's on the baseball team, the basketball team, the band. He comes from a

family of seven children."

Donohoe, who buses tables at a popular Northeast restaurant, spent a lot of time lifting weights at school

with Hunsicker and the other linemen this summer. They also jumped rope to increase their agility, and

one of the quickest on his feet was the biggest of the big men, Wickersham, to the surprise of Donohoe

and the rest.

Game 1, September 9, 1995: West Catholic 34 – La Salle 33

by Rick O’Brien, Inquirer

Gordon's Four TD Passes Are Not Enough For La Salle.

The Sophomore Completed 16 of 26 For 276 Yards.

West Catholic, However, Won The Shootout, 34-33.

PHILADELPHIA — Since La Salle had nipped West Catholic, 7-6, in last season's opener, most

expected Saturday afternoon's rematch to be another low-scoring, ho-hum affair.

Instead, spectators at Bartram High saw a shootout of major proportions.

As it turned out, the host Burrs had one more bullet in the chamber and outlasted the never-say-die

Explorers, 34-33, in a thrilling, not-to-be- forgotten nonleague opener.


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"I thought it would be more like a 21-14 game, something like that," said Dan Harrell, West Catholic's

first-year coach. "But this was a crazy football game."

The outcome wasn't certain till the very last tick of the clock. After scoring a touchdown and a two-point

conversion with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, La Salle recovered an onside kick near

midfield. But time expired before the visitors could run a final play.

The Burrs were quite relieved that Explorers quarterback Brett Gordon didn't get one last crack at the

end zone. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound sophomore completed 16 of 26 passes for 276 yards and four

touchdowns.

Gordon - whose father, Drew, is the Explorers' offensive coordinator - threw touchdown passes of 18, 41,

3 and 2 yards. He provided much-needed relief for a rushing attack that netted only 42 yards.

La Salle found itself trailing by 27-19 with 4 minutes, 11 seconds left in the game. Gordon brought the

team to within two by engineering a seven-play, 56-yard drive that included a 30-yard completion to

junior Jack Hammond and culminated in a 3-yard TD toss to junior Mike Mattia (6 catches for 84 yards).

The two-point, game-tying conversion attempt was foiled, however, when West Catholic's Keith Stecklair

picked off Gordon's pass.

The Burrs seemingly put the game out of reach when they subsequently recovered an onside kick and

Stecklair rumbled 48 yards for a TD. Pat Taggart's point-after boot gave West a nine-point cushion.

La Salle's normally suffocating run defense yielded 255 yards. Stecklair rushed for 111 yards on only

four carries, while Tom Eisenhower totaled 61 yards on 15 tries.

"We have a lot of young kids playing defense," La Salle head coach Joe Colistra said. "It's hard to say if

we were out of position or if we were being overpowered."

Game 2, September 16, 1995: Cherokee 17 – La Salle 14

by Wayne Moser, Inquirer

N.J. Team Edges La Salle

MARLTON, N.J. — La Salle had the momentum on its side and the wind at its back in the third quarter of

Saturday's football game here against Cherokee High School. But the Explorers let those advantages

slip away, and with them went the game.

Cherokee's Damon Walker blocked a 44-yard field-goal attempt by the Explorers' Mike Mack and, 11

plays later, the Chiefs' Ryan Rosetti took advantage of a brisk wind at his back to kick a 28-yard field

goal that gave Cherokee a 17-14 victory

"We were passing the ball well, and we played good team defense," Explorers head coach Joe Colistra

said. "But when we didn't score twice down at about their 20-yard line, that took a lot of emotion out of

us."

After La Salle stuffed Cherokee's highly regarded running back, Art Hart, and stopped the Chiefs on the

game's opening possession, the Explorers' cool sophomore quarterback, Brett Gordon, led his team

down the field. The 64-yard, four-play drive culminated with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Mike Mattia.

Cherokee had the better of the play in the second half, although both teams made enough mistakes to

prevent any scoring until Rosetti came on with 6 minutes, 4 seconds remaining in the game to hand the

Explorers their second consecutive narrow defeat.


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Game 3, September 23, 1995: La Salle 25 – Conwell-Egan 13

by Chris Goldberg, Inquirer

La Salle Gets Its Running Game Going In 25-13 Win Conwell-Egan.

Tied It Up In The Third Quarter. The Explorers Turned To Kyle Mallach And Mike Durso.

LEVITTOWN — La Salle proved Saturday night that it might be more than just a passing fancy this

season.

The Explorers got another standout effort from sophomore quarterback Brett Gordon, but relied just as

heavily on a solid running game to overtake host Conwell-Egan, 25-13, in a Catholic League North

opener at Harry S Truman.

Gordon completed 11 of 14 attempts for 150 yards and two touchdowns after starting 9 for 9 in the first

half. Yet after the Eagles (1-2 overall, 0-1 league) tied the game at 13 midway through the third period, it

was La Salle's running game that took over.

The Explorers (1-2, 1-0) seized a 19-13 lead when Kyle Mallach capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a

1-yard plunge late in the third quarter. Mallach, who rushed for 79 yards on 13 carries, sparked the drive

with a 56-yard jaunt.

La Salle's defense quickly regained possession, and Mike Durso (91 yards, 16 carries) helped the

Explorers capitalize by finishing a three-play, 40-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run.

"People have been underestimating our running game," Gordon said. "We wanted a 50-50 offense

between run and pass. The pass worked in the first half, but we really got the running game on track in

the second half."

Indeed, the Explorers wasted little time jump-starting their passing attack.

Gordon was 7 of 7 in the opening quarter and hit Brian Curci for TDs of 13 and 11 yards as La Salle

seized a quick 13-0 lead. Both scores were set up by Conwell-Egan fumbles, recovered by La Salle's

Matt Maloney and Jeff Pietrak.

"We can't give opportunities like that away early in the game," Eagles coach Chuck Knowles said. "I was

impressed with their passing game and their quarterback, but I was actually most impressed with their

line and how well it blocked for him (Gordon)."

The Eagles, though, also received a strong effort from their quarterback, Matt Beck. Though he played

tailback during most of the nonleague season, Beck was 6 of 12 for 78 yards passing and rushed for 111

yards on 18 carries.

Beck's 1-yard dive capped an eight-play, 76-yard drive to start the second period and narrow the score to

13-6. Mike Dowd scored Conwell-Egan's second TD with a 5-yard run to cap an eight-play, 69-yard trek.

Then La Salle took over.

"Give Brett a lot of credit; he calls most of the plays himself," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "He

checks off on the line, and he saw that the running game was working in the second half, so he stuck

with it."

Game 4, September 30, 1995: La Salle 29 – Archbishop Ryan 19

by Wayne Moser, Inquirer

Fumble Helps Explorers Grab A Rare Victory Over Ryan


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PHILADELPHIA — For the La Salle Explorers, it was the first win over Archbishop Ryan's Raiders since

1988. For Ryan, it was the first regular-season Catholic League Northern Division loss in six years.

In other words, it was a stunner.

With his team holding a 19-7 lead late in the third quarter, Archbishop Ryan's Andrew Rakowski

committed a key turnover, fumbling a punt at his own 24-yard line. The Explorers' Jim Noone picked up

the ball and ran it in for the touchdown.

Then quarterback Brett Gordon and the La Salle pass defense took over as the Explorers scored the

game's final 22 points to defeat the Raiders, 29-19, Saturday at George Washington High School.

"If we had fielded that punt, we would have won the game," Ryan coach Glen Galeone said. "You can't

give them a touchdown like that. We're not a good team. We made too many mistakes."

Rakowski's miscue was one of five turnovers by the Raiders. His error negated two fine returns he had

made earlier in the second half, and it turned the tide in the Explorers' favor.

Once given new life, La Salle (2-2 overall, 2-0 Catholic North) and its sophomore quarterback knew what

to do. The strong-armed Gordon completed only 10 of his 24 passes, but three were for touchdowns. He

was not intercepted, a fate that befell Raiders quarterback Jason Lappe on his team's last three drives.

After the teams traded first-half touchdowns, Archbishop Ryan (2-2, 1-1) scored two touchdowns to open

the second half. Then Rakowski fumbled, Noone scored, and the game did an about-face.

"Our team was in the right place at the right time on that punt return," Explorers coach Joe Colistra said.

"I give my guys credit for making the big play when we needed one."

A Gordon-to-Mike Mattia hookup from 24 yards out and a 2-point-conversion strike to Brian Curci gave

La Salle a 22-19 edge with 11 minutes, 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Gordon - who threw for 178

yards in the game - then sealed matters by hitting Curci with a 27-yard sideline strike with 3:51 to play. It

was Curci's second touchdown catch of the contest.

"I'm just glad those plays worked out, because we haven't beaten them in a long time," Gordon said. "We

worked too hard in practice this week to lose this one."

Game 5, October 7, 1995: La Salle 17 – Bishop McDevitt 14

by Frank Bertucci, Inquirer

La Salle Holds Off McDevitt.

The Explorers Led, 17-0, At Halftime. A Lancers Rally Fell 3 Points Short.

PLYMOUTH MEETING — After all the yardage gained by both teams, 243 passing and 224 running, it

was easy to forget that the difference in La Salle's 17-14 win over Bishop McDevitt on Saturday night

was a 27-yard field goal by Brett Gordon midway through the first period.

It was easy to forget because of the passing show by Gordon and the running show of McDevitt's LaVar

Talley.

At 3-0, La Salle moved into first place in the Catholic League's Northern Division with a win fueled by

Gordon's arm and a defense powered by Keith Lachawiec (at least five tackles, one sack).

"I didn't know that we could be here by Columbus Day, in first place," said coach Joe Colistra, whose

Explorers are 3-2. "And we should be 5-0."

La Salle looked like it would roll over the Lancers (2-3, 1-2) in the first half. Gordon passed for 172 yards

in the first half, 128 going to Mike Mattia on six receptions. The Explorers totaled 201 yards to McDevitt's

65 by halftime and led, 17-0.


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But this has become McDevitt's habit. The Lancers have scored only 14 points in the first halves of their

five games this season, and then they erupt.

"We get physical in the second half," said Coach Pat Manzi, "but you can't go 17 down. We have to get

slapped in the face to get ourselves going."

McDevitt really got going in the second half Saturday night. La Salle's only first downs in the half were on

penalties late in the last period, and the offensive yardage favored the Lancers, 167-42.

Talley scored both McDevitt touchdowns, on runs of 7 and 54 yards, and had 94 of his 126 yards rushing

in the second half.

"You put the ball in his hands enough, he'll hurt you," Colistra said of Talley. "But we didn't panic."

The first half was Gordon's. The sophomore completed 9 of 20 attempts, one a 9-yard scoring strike to

Mattia. But in the second half he completed only four passes, threw two interceptions, and never got the

offense moving.

The Explorers' defense came through late in the second half, despite the yards it allowed. Trailing by 17-

14, McDevitt drove to La Salle's 28 with just over two minutes to play, but got no farther.

When the Lancers got the ball back one last time, at their own 22, quarterback Tim Flaherty's first-down

completion to Shanga Tabb was fumbled and recovered by Jim Noone, starting his first game on defense

for La Salle.

"You have to have a lot of patience coaching a young team like this," said Colistra. "It's fun."

Game 6, October 14, 1995: La Salle 14 – Father Judge 0

by Beth Onufrak, Inquirer

La Salle Shuts Out Judge To Stay In First.

The Stingy Explorers Allowed Just 68 Yards Of Total Offense By The Crusaders. The 14-0 Win

Keeps Them A Game Ahead Of Ryan Atop The Catholic North.

ERDENHEIM — If La Salle goes on to win the Catholic League Northern Division, it can thank its

defense.

The Explorers gave up just 68 yards of total offense - 34 passing and 34 rushing - as they defeated

Father Judge yesterday, 14-0. The victory kept La Salle (4-2 overall, 4-0 league) atop the division, a

game in front of Archbishop Ryan, which lost to the Explorers on Sept. 30.

"We got the shutout, and that's what we wanted," said La Salle junior defensive lineman Brendan Coyle,

who had a sack and a fumble recovery. ''Basically, we concentrated on stopping the run because we

knew that they couldn't pass."

The Explorers sacked Crusaders quarterback Jim White four times and allowed him to complete just 2 of

12 passes. White, a junior, was starting in place of senior Bill Murphy, who was hurt in a hit-and-run

accident two weeks ago.

"We have a very young and quick defensive front," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "They've improved

every game. They are very big, but they are quick and aggressive."

While the Explorers' defense remained steady, the offense sputtered on the Springfield High field. An

interception and a missed field goal ended two of the Explorers' first-half drives, but junior running back

Mike Durso eventually scored with 2 minutes, 22 seconds to play in the half on a 4-yard run that capped

a 10-play, 49-yard drive.


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"At that point it was 0-0 and I knew we needed something to get us going," Durso said. "It wasn't

anything special, just a run off-tackle and I got in. But we really need to score at that point in the game."

Father Judge (3-3, 2-2) intercepted a pass in the end zone in the second half, but La Salle finally scored

again with 1:12 to play when Durso ran the ball in from the 8-yard line. He finished with a game-high 54

yards rushing on 16 carries.

Most of the Explorers' 230 yards on offense came from sophomore quarterback Brett Gordon, who was

15 for 29 passing for 165 yards. He also threw two interceptions.

The Explorers have games remaining with Archbishop Wood, Cardinal Dougherty, and North Catholic.

None of them has a winning league record, but Colistra does not want his team, or his staff, to become

too confident.

"We've said to ourselves as a coaching staff that we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves,"

Colistra said. "We have a lot of young players, and anything can happen. We are just looking to our next

game."

Game 7, October 21, 1995: La Salle 21 – Archbishop Wood 0

by Ira Josephs, Inquirer

With Extra Incentive, La Salle Downs Wood. Student Trainer Sean O'Donnell, Paralyzed In An

Accident, Was Out Of The Hospital And At The Game.

ERDENHEIM — La Salle's most impressive carry came after the game and away from the field.

The first-place Explorers had just improved their record to 5-2 overall and 5-0 in the Catholic League's

Northern Division with yesterday's 21-0 win over winless Archbishop Wood (0-7, 0-5) at Springfield High.

As has been La Salle's custom most of the season, the game ball was delivered to student trainer Sean

O'Donnell. But this time it was delivered in a different way.

In previous games, the Explorers drove the ball to O'Donnell at Hahnemann University Hospital or the

Magee Rehabilitation Center. Yesterday, they handed it to him at the side of the field as he sat in his

wheelchair, attending his first game since a vehicular accident last month left him paralyzed from the

chest down.

"I don't think people realize how much Sean has done for the team in three years," athletic director Joe

Parisi said. "He was the student trainer, but if I needed someone to keep score or work the lights, he was

there. He's an inspiration."

The appearance of O'Donnell was all the brighter because of what the Explorers did on the field.

Quarterback Brett Gordon completed 13 of 23 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, and junior running

back Mike Durso rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

"We came into a game we had to win and played hard," Durso said.

Senior Keith Lachawiec opened the scoring for the Explorers with a 7-yard run early in the second

quarter, and Durso ran in from the 3 before intermission to make the lead 14-0. In the fourth quarter,

Gordon hooked up with junior Mike Mattia for a 28-yard touchdown.

Wood had its positive moments. Senior quarterback Rich Knowski completed 10 of 19 passes for 143

yards, including a 69-yard bomb to senior Tom Dufner that put the Vikings on the La Salle 9. Explorers

senior Pat Coyle recovered a fumble on the next play to end the threat.

Senior Jeff Hunsinker had one sack for Wood, and junior Mike Polites and Dennis Maguire combined for

another. La Salle received one sack apiece from juniors Brendan Coyle and Paul Read.


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Game 8, October 28, 1995: La Salle 21 – Cardinal Dougherty 12


La Salle Tops Dougherty, Wins Division.

The Explorers Clinched The North Title When Ryan Lost. But They Wanted To Earn It On The

Field, Too.

ERDENHEIM — It was announced over the loudspeakers that La Salle had clinched the Catholic League

Northern Division championship after yesterday's 21-12 win over visiting Cardinal Dougherty.

However, the announcement could have been made before the game at Springfield High.

Father Judge's 10-3 win over Archbishop Ryan Friday night assured the Explorers at least a tie for the

Northern Division title. And because La Salle, The Inquirer's ninth-ranked area team, had defeated Judge

and Ryan, the Explorers would have received the nod in the event of any ties.

Still, La Salle wasn't about to accept any accolades unless it beat Dougherty.

"We had to earn it on the field," said junior running back Mike Durso.

After falling behind, 6-0, that's exactly what La Salle (6-2 overall, 6-0 league) and Durso did.

Durso rushed for 69 yards on 15 attempts and caught a touchdown pass that tied the score. And the

Explorers' defense dominated the Cardinals (3-5, 2-4) during several stretches, even intercepting three

straight passes.

"The running of Durso lifted the spirits of our offense," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "When he

catches fire, he lifts everyone else around him."

Senior Sonny Nagle gave the Cardinals the lead with a 2-yard plunge 37 seconds into the second

quarter. Before halftime arrived, however, La Salle grabbed a 7-6 lead on sophomore quarterback Brett

Gordon's 29-yard pass to Durso and Gordon's point-after kick.

"Dougherty is hungry and aggressive and well-coached," Colistra said. "I don't think our kids got the

message until they got banged around. As the game went on, I was gaining more confidence in our

defense."

In the third quarter, La Salle added two more touchdowns. Gordon connected with junior Mike Mattia for

a 27-yard score, and junior Kyle Mallach scampered 15 yards for the Explorers' final touchdown. Gordon

completed 11 of 31 passes for 170 yards, although several of the misses were catchable.

"Gordon doesn't feel pressure," Colistra said. "At least, he doesn't show it."

The Explorers received interceptions from juniors Todd Carmody, Jim Noone and Ed Boron. Sacks were

delivered by juniors Brendan Coyle and Mike Zeccardi.

Game 9, November 4, 1995: La Salle 13 – North Catholic 0


La Salle Blanks N. Catholic To Fix Playoff Pairing. The Explorers Will Meet Father Judge In The

First Round After Their 13-0 Win Eliminated The Falcons.

ERDENHEIM — La Salle, the Catholic League Northern Division regular-season champion, played the

role of spoiler yesterday at Springfield High.


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The Explorers wrapped up an undefeated league season with a 13-0 victory that eliminated visiting North

Catholic from the playoff hunt.

La Salle (7-2 overall, 7-0 league) will face Father Judge on Saturday at Northeast High in the first round

of the playoffs, tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. A victory by North (4-5, 3-4) would have guaranteed it a

playoff berth and a rematch with La Salle in the first round.

Instead, the Explorers will meet Judge, a team they beat, 14-0, on Oct. 14.

"Can't wait," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "We said we wanted the kids to improve on something

against North. . . . We are really maturing defensively."

Not only did the Explorers gain the shutout, but their defense also led to their second touchdown. An

interception by junior linebacker Todd Carmody put the ball on the Falcons' 17-yard line. One play later,

sophomore quarterback Brett Gordon hooked up with junior running back Mike Durso for the 17-yard

score with 1 minute, 8 seconds left in the first half.

"It was really important to go into the playoffs with momentum," Carmody said. "We wanted to be sure of

ourselves."

La Salle's first touchdown came with 4:53 remaining in the first half on a 2-yard blast by Durso. The

score concluded a 12-play, 67-yard drive that was highlighted by Gordon's passing and two 15-yard

penalties on the Falcons.

Gordon finished the game 11 of 21 for 136 yards, including 9 of 14 for 114 yards in the first half. Junior

Mike Mattia caught five passes for 69 yards, and Durso added 57 rushing yards on 13 attempts and two

receptions for 23 yards.

The Falcons were able to move the ball at times in the scoreless second half, but La Salle received an

interception from junior defensive back Jim Noone and a tackle for an 8-yard loss by junior lineman

Brendan Coyle.

"I feel good for our kids," Colistra said of the undefeated league season. "Right now, we are focused on

the second season, but it's a great accomplishment for such young kids."

Game 10, November 11, 1995: La Salle 21 – Father Judge 0 (PCL QFinal)


Smothering Defense Leads La Salle Into Catholic Semifinals

PHILADELPHIA — Father Judge Coach John "Whitey" Sullivan tried everything imaginable to keep La

Salle's defense off-balance. He used three quarterbacks and called for a fake punt and a halfback option

pass.

The Explorers, however, shrugged it all off.

Limiting the Crusaders to 111 yards of offense and forcing three turnovers, La Salle rolled to a 21-0

victory in a Catholic League football quarterfinal yesterday at windy, cold Northeast High.

The Explorers (8-2) will face Monsignor Bonner, a 10-7 upset winner over Kennedy-Kenrick, in the

semifinals. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Northeast.

La Salle, The Inquirer's seventh-ranked area team, picked up its fourth shutout in the last five games. It

had surrendered only 68 yards of offense and blanked Judge, 14-0, in a regular-season meeting on Oct.

16.


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With their defense keyed by junior middle guard John Price (team-high eight tackles) and senior end

Keith Lachawiec (six tackles, including one sack), the Explorers held the Crusaders (5-5) to 49 yards

rushing in the first half and minus-5 in the second half.

"They're really maturing," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said of his junior-dominated defense.

Early in the second quarter, after a 47-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Brett Gordon

to wide receiver Mike Mattia, junior linebacker Drew Middlemiss (four tackles) intercepted a pass at the

Judge 39 and returned it 31 yards.

On the next play, Gordon avoided a blitz and fired an 8-yard touchdown bullet to Mattia (five catches for

118 yards).

Mattia "has been doing it all year for us," Colistra said."

Gordon, who completed 6 of 17 passes for 125 yards, hooked up with wide receiver Brian Curci for a 7-

yard touchdown in the third quarter.

"Both (Mattia and Curci) have played great all year," Gordon said. "I know that if I put the ball out there

close enough for them to catch it, they're going to get it."

Lachawiec and junior tackle Brendan Coyle recovered second-half fumbles for La Salle. Junior safety Ed

Boron contributed six tackles, and junior end Mike Zeccardi had five.

Game 11, Nov 17, 1995: La Salle 23 – Monsignor Bonner 13 (PCL Semi)

by Steve Wartenberg, Inquirer

Bonner Can't Rattle La Salle In League Semifinal. The Friars Fought The Explorers To A 13-13 Tie

Early. But La Salle Pulled Away For The 23-13 Win.

PHILADELPHIA — Brett Gordon is only a sophomore, and Monsignor Bonner coach Mike Coyne thought

his Friars could rattle the La Salle quarterback.

"When we watched film we noticed that nobody ever got to him," Coyne said. "We thought we could

pressure him, but it didn't work. He was too elusive."

And poised and talented.

Despite his youth, Gordon was the difference as La Salle topped the Friars, 23-13, in a Catholic League

semifinal Friday at Northeast High. The Explorers (9-2) will take on Archbishop Ryan on Dec. 1 for the

league title.

The loss ended Bonner's reign as league champion, but the Friars (4-7) didn't go down without a fight.

"It's great to win, but high school football is more than that," Coyne said. "These kids battled and never

gave up, and that's something they can take with them the rest of their lives."

The game started out like a track meet as each team marched down the field for a score on its first two

possessions.

La Salle got the ball first, and Gordon (10 of 22 for 219 yards) hit Brian Curci for a 52-yard scoring pass

and a 6-0 lead. The holder dropped the center snap on the extra-point attempt, and Gordon (who is also

La Salle's kicker) picked up the ball and threw an incomplete pass.

The Friars answered right back by driving 72 yards. Quarterback Jeff Jones (15 of 28 for 208 yards)

completed two third-down passes, including an 18-yarder to Matt Giello for a score.

Bonner's extra-point kick was wide, and the score was 6-6.

La Salle's Mike Mattia took the ensuing kickoff 69 yards to the Bonner 18, and after a pass-interference

penalty gave the Explorers a first down on the 2, Keith Lachawiec scored.


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Gordon hit the extra point, and LaSalle led, 13-6.

Again Bonner and Jones answered. The senior quarterback completed four of six passes as the Friars

drove 62 yards, hitting Giello with a 26-yard scoring pass, which was helped along by a great block from

Mike Kukla.

The extra point was good, and the game was tied again.

The defenses took over from there and took turns shutting down the opposition.

With 7 minutes, 33 seconds to play, La Salle drove deep into Bonner territory, but had to settle for a 22-

yard field goal by Gordon and a 16-13 lead.

The Explorers' defense stopped Bonner, and the offense took over on its own 28. On third and 2, Gordon

eluded the rush and scampered 16 yards to the Bonner 48. On third and 10 he hit Mattia with a 14-yard

pass, and two plays later, Mattia raced down the left sideline.

"The corner was rolled up on me," said Mattia, who had five receptions for 119 yards - all in the second

half. "We had a run called, but (Gordon) saw it and audibled."

Gordon put the ball exactly where it had to be, and Mattia had a 33-yard touchdown. And La Salle led,

23-13, after the extra point with 2:44 to play.

The Friars refused to give up, and began driving as Jones completed 5 of 9 passes. Finally, facing a

fourth and goal from the 3, Giello took a handoff and tried to dive over the top. But he was hit and did a

complete somersault, landing 6 inches short of the goal line.

La Salle took over with 1:22 to play. After Gordon gained a yard on a sneak, he ran the ball into the

center of the line again. It appeared that he fumbled and Bonner recovered, but the officials ruled that

Gordon was down on the 8, and one more run ran out the clock.

by Joe Fite, Inquirer

La Salle Advances To Final. The Explorers Beat Bonner, 23-13. Ryan Is Next In The PCL Football

Championship Game.

PHILADELPHIA — La Salle dodged a huge bullet Friday night and survived to play for the Catholic

League championship.

The Explorers, The Inquirer's fourth-ranked area team, took on visiting Monsignor Bonner in a semifinal

playoff game at Northeast High and escaped, 23-13.

With the win, La Salle (9-2) earned the right to play Archbishop Ryan, which defeated St. Joseph Prep

Saturday night, for the league championship on Dec. 1 at Northeast High. In the meantime, the Explorers

and St. Joe's will meet in their annual Thanksgiving game.

Bonner (4-7) slipped into the playoffs as the fourth-place team in the Southern Division, but knocked off

previously undefeated Kennedy-Kenrick, the regular-season Southern Division champ, by 10-7 to set up

the meeting with the Explorers, the regular-season Northern Division champions.

The Friars quickly showed the large crowd at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium that the win over

Kennedy-Kenrick was no fluke.

The Explorers scored on their opening drive when quarterback Brett Gordon hooked up with Brian Curci

for a 52-yard touchdown pass. But Bonner answered almost immediately when Jeff Jones threw a 17-

yard scoring strike to Matt Giello on its first drive to tie the game at 6.

La Salle countered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Keith Lachawiec with 1 minute, 55 seconds left in the

first quarter, but the Friars again tied the game when Giello, outstanding all night, caught another TD

pass from Jones from 26 yards out with 9:08 left before intermission to help Bonner to a 13-13 tie.


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"We knew since they knocked off Kenrick that they were tough," Explorers wide receiver Mike Mattia

said. "Their quarterback was hurt for most of the year; when he came back, they were really good."

Both teams had their chances in the fourth quarter, but La Salle was the team finally able to capitalize.

Gordon, who completed 10 of 22 passes for 219 yards, kicked a 22-yard field goal with 7:33 left in the

game to put the Explorers into the lead for good, 16-13. Key plays leading to the field goal were a 26-

yard catch by Mattia and a 10-yard reception by Curci. Mattia caught five passes for 119 yards while

Curci latched onto five more for 100 yards.

La Salle caught the Friars off-guard late in the game when Gordon audibled at the line of scrimmage and

found Mattia for a 33-yard touchdown pass with 2:44 left in the game.

"It was just a check play at the line," Mattia said. Gordon "saw that the corner was up on me, and every

time the corner rolls up, we run that pattern because they give it to us. We just take it."

Bonner made a last-ditch effort to score, but Giello - who rushed for 82 yards and caught four passes for

52 yards - was stopped at the 1-yard line with 1:17 left in the game.

La Salle had survived a 15-for-28, 208-yard performance by Jones, won its ninth consecutive game, and

lived to play for its first Catholic League title since 1989.

Game 12, Nov 23, 1995: La Salle 35 – St. Joseph’s Prep 9 (Thanksgiving)


La Salle Rolls Over Hawklets. Keith Lachawiec Was A Defensive Terror For The Explorers And

Helped Spark The 35-9 Rout.

PHILADELPHIA — St. Joseph's Prep used its tight end as a receiver instead of an extra blocker in an

attempt to launch a more effective passing game against La Salle yesterday.

Keith Lachawiec, a senior defensive end for the Explorers, made the Hawklets regret that strategy.

Repeatedly blowing past Prep's overmatched linemen, Lachawiec was a constant menace to

quarterback David Hand and helped spark La Salle to a 35-9 romp at La Salle University in the 20th

Thanksgiving Day meeting between the teams.

"The tight end was going out for passes all game, and they usually put a guard or fullback on me," said

Lachawiec, a 5-foot-10, 190-pounder. "I just used my speed to get around them."

The Explorers (10-2) won their 10th consecutive game, and they improved their Thanksgiving Day series

record to 16-4. They have defeated the Hawklets (8-4) eight out of the last nine years.

Next Friday, the Explorers will play Archbishop Ryan for the Catholic League championship.

"We're certainly looking forward to playing Ryan, but we didn't take this game lightly," Lachawiec said.

"We wanted to keep the momentum going."

Lachawiec recorded four tackles and constantly had Hand looking over his shoulder. In the final minute

of the first half, he hit Hand just as the quarterback was releasing the ball, and forced the first of three

interceptions.

"Keith is so fast and aggressive," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "I know I wouldn't want to block him."

Lachawiec also contributed as a fullback. He rushed 11 times for 35 yards and one touchdown. His 1-

yard scoring plunge (set up by a blocked punt) was the first of La Salle's four first-half touchdowns. He

was selected as the game's most valuable player, and he is a coaches' first-team all-Catholic pick.


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Junior Kyle Mallach's role has increased since Mike Durso was sidelined in a quarterfinal playoff win over

Father Judge with a fractured thumb. Mallach scored twice in the first half. He caught a 3-yard

touchdown toss from Brett Gordon and broke free for a 50-yard score.

Late in the first half, Gordon (9 for 16, 151 yards passing) hit Brian Curci on a delayed slant pattern, and

it resulted in a 47-yard touchdown. The score and Gordon's fourth extra-point kick gave the Explorers a

commanding 28-0 lead.

Junior defensive end Mike Zeccardi capped the rout when, with 44 seconds remaining in the game, he

intercepted a pass by Hand and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown.

"Our defense has improved with each game," Colistra said. "It has allowed our offense to do all the

things it has."

November 29, 1995, by Ted Silary, Daily News

La Salle Star Changes For The Better

Keith Lachawiec used to think he could not take a class without bugging the teacher and entertaining his

fellow students.

He used to think he could not eat a meal that did not feature burgers and fries.

He used to think he never would play a prominent role for La Salle High's football team.

Happily, on all three fronts, he was wrong.

Lachawiec is no longer immature, is no longer hefty and is no longer an afterthought.

When the Explorers (10-2) meet Archbishop Ryan (8-4) for the Catholic League championship, 7:30

Friday night at Northeast High, Lachawiec, a 5-10, 195-pound senior, will play full time at defensive end,

likely will play full time at fullback and will be the long-snapper for all punts and placements

The Public League title will be decided 2 p.m. Saturday at Northeast when Frankford (11-0) meets

George Washington (10-1).

Coach Joe Colistra says of Lachawiec, "He's been our best overall player this year."

Lachawiec (lack-uh-wiz) says in return, "Whatever I'm doing, it's because of coach Colistra. He got me to

change."

At the end of his sophomore year, Lachawiec stood 5-8 and weighed 230 pounds.

"Short and fat," he said, smiling. "I was always that way. I could never play youth football with the

Northeast Optimists because I would have had to play with guys two years older, and they wouldn't let

me.

"My first football was here, in ninth grade. In 10th grade, it looked like I would never have much hope of

playing too much for the varsity. I guess that thought is normal for a sophomore, but . . . coach Colistra

helped me. He put me on a good program to get in shape."

It was nothing fancy. That whole summer, all Lachawiec did was go to La Salle to lift weights and run. He

also stayed out of burger joints.

"My family kept telling me I had to stay away from greasy foods," Lachawiec said. "I ate it all the time. I

stay away now."

Always?

"Ah, I do celebrate every so often with a burger," he said.

Lachawiec last year played defensive tackle, starting in the Explorers' final eight games. At the start of

conditioning practice last summer, he was told to work out at defensive end.

"I was hoping to wind up on offense, too," he said. "Maybe tight end. Fullback wasn't one of the spots I

was thinking of."


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But the wheels were turning. Colistra happened to bump into a man who had coached Lachawiec as a

youth in baseball and basketball. The man said to Colistra, "I guess you're going to put Lachawiec at

fullback, right? If you do, he'll knock people around."

December 1, 1995, by Joe Fite, Inquirer

La Salle Gears For 'War' Against Ryan An 11th Straight Win Would Give The Explorers The

Catholic League Title.

The latest big game for the La Salle High sports program is about to bring the fall season to an end for

the Explorers. They will play Archbishop Ryan for the Catholic League football championship at 7:30

tonight at Northeast High.

The soccer team played Archbishop Ryan for the league title recently and lost, 1-0, in overtime. The

football team is hoping for a different outcome against the Raiders.

"We started the season with a couple of tough losses, but we're on a 10- game winning streak right now,"

La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. His team is 10-2. "The soccer team also had a great season. So the

school is focusing in on all of this."

There's a lot to focus on. The Explorers last won the league crown in 1989, just before Ryan ran off a

string of four straight championships.

La Salle would like to win its 11th straight game tonight. But like most games in the Northern Division, it

will be a war. When the teams met on Sept. 30 in the second league game of the season, the Explorers

won, 29-19, to hand the Raiders their first league loss in six years. It was also the first time since 1988

that La Salle had defeated Ryan, which now is 8-4.

It long has been an axiom in the Catholic League that it is difficult to beat a team twice in the same year,

but Colistra doesn't necessarily believe in that philosophy.

"It's a truism that's not the truth," he said. "It sounds like it should be the truth. We're the same tree, but

with different leaves. We're not the same (as earlier in the season), and neither is Ryan."

That is a good thing for La Salle. In that game, the Raiders took a 19-7 lead on three rushing

touchdowns before Jim Noone returned a fumbled punt for a touchdown, and super sophomore

quarterback Brett Gordon connected for a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes.

Colistra said he would like his defense to play better against Ryan's stellar running backs, Chris

Kennedy, Chris Cavallaro and Kevin Campbell than the first time. "When we had to, we dug our heels in

and stopped them," Colistra said. "If they were in a position to continue to run the ball - which they

weren't - it might have been different."

Gordon will throw the ball a lot, as will his counterpart, Jason Lappe. However, the Explorers will be

missing their leading rusher - Mike Durso, who has a fractured thumb - for the third straight game. Keith

Lachawiec and Kyle Mallach have picked up the slack nicely. Against St. Joseph's Prep on

Thanksgiving, Lachawiec and Mallach combined to score three touchdowns.

"We're used to playing without him, and we've done well in two emotional games," Colistra said of Durso.

"Kyle Mallach has really picked it up, and I wouldn't want to have Keith Lachawiec running over me."

La Salle will have to be wary of Ryan, which still is smarting from a 14-13 loss to Washington on

Thanksgiving. But the Explorers will be ready.

"It's no different than back in September," Colistra said. "In the North, every game has been a war. We've

had one big game after another. We've had that emery-board kind of testing ground. We've been sharp

because we've had to be."

Let the war begin.


14

December 1, 1995, by Frank Bertucci, Inquirer

Catholic League Final Is Tonight. La Salle And Ryan Will Vie For The Title. La Salle Won, 29-19,

When They Met In September.

There are only six area high school teams still playing football, and four are in action tonight.

La Salle and Archbishop Ryan meet in the Catholic League championship game at 7:30 at Northeast

High's Charles Martin Field, while farther west Plymouth-Whitemarsh and Lansdale Catholic have state

semifinal playoff games.

The other two teams, Frankford and George Washington, play for the Public League title tomorrow

afternoon at Northeast.

La Salle (10-2), winner of 10 consecutive games, hopes to repeat its 29-19 win over Ryan (8-4) on Sept.

30 and gain its first league championship since 1989. The earlier win was the Explorers' first over Ryan

since 1988, the year the Red Raiders began their streak of five league crowns in six seasons.

The Explorers have been propelled all season by the passing of sophomore Brett Gordon, who has

completed 133 of 273 passes for 2,088 yards and 23 touchdowns, 56 passes and 10 TDs going to junior

receiver Mike Mattia.

Ryan features the running of Chris Cavallaro (1,032 yards) and Chris Kennedy (785 yards).

Game 13, December 1, 1995: La Salle 14 – Archbishop Ryan 7 (PCL Champ)

by Stephen A. Smith, Inquirer

La Salle Downs Ryan, 14-7, For Catholic League Crown. Two TD’s And Tough Defense In The

Second Half Gave The Explorers Their First Football Championship Since 1989.

Two months ago, it took late-game heroics from its sensational quarterback for La Salle to walk away

with a victory against Archbishop Ryan.

Last night, heroics weren't needed.

Using second-half rushing touchdowns by Kyle Mallach and Mike Durso, and a stingy defense late in the

game, the Explorers crept away with a 14-7 victory over the Raiders at Northeast High to capture their

first Philadelphia Catholic League title since 1989.

"Oh, this feels so good," said La Salle's quarterback, Brett Gordon, who finished 10 of 19 for 107 yards

(one interception). "I don't even know what else to feel. We worked so hard. For it all to end like this, it's

just a great feeling. It really is."

You got the feeling it would end up that way for Gordon. After he scorched the Raiders with two late TDs

in a win on Sept. 30, nothing happened early in this game, as the first half, filled with drive-stopping plays

that included sacks or an interception, ended scoreless.

The second half was different as Gordon directed the offense with precision passing or just handed the

ball to his runners.

They produced with 2 minutes, 22 seconds left in the third quarter when Mallach culminated a nine-play,

57-yard drive with a 2-yard plunge up the middle for the first score of the game.

The Raiders (7-5 overall, 5-2 league) couldn't answer as the Explorers (11-2, 11-0) squelched any

attempts to run the ball, sending Archbishop Ryan back to the sidelines after three plays.


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La Salle's ensuing drive was equally successful. Sparked by a 22-yard run by Keith Lachawiec and a key

first-down conversion pass from Gordon to Jack Hammond, the Explorers completed the drive when

Durso banged his way in from 4 yards out to make it 14-0 with 9:51 left in the game.

Not bad for a running back who missed the last two games with a thumb injury.

"These guys have shown heart all year long," said La Salle coach Joe Colistra. "We weren't intimidated

and we played that way. All of these guys, including (Durso), who bounced off about four tacklers to get

in that end zone. His effort personified our performance tonight."

The Raiders weren't finished, retaliating with an eight-play, 76-yard drive, when Chris Cavallaro (18

rushes, 69 yards) scored on a 3-yard sweep to pull Ryan within 14-7 with 2:22 remaining.

But the ensuing drive produced nothing but tense moments, and when quarterback Jason Lappe,

ineffective for most of the evening, threw an incomplete pass, joy had arrived for La Salle.

"It's tough to have a defense turn into an offense and expect us to win," said Raiders linebacker Dave

Ault. "That's what we had to try and do tonight. Obviously, we didn't get it done. It was just too much to

ask for."

by Ted Silary, Daily News

La Salle Tops Ryan For Title

Before Mike Durso could run with the football, he had to run his mouth.

He had to convince Dr. Scott Kozine, a surgeon affiliated with Temple University's Sports Medicine

Centers, to flash, fittingly, the thumbs-up sign and allow a return to action.

It's early Wednesday afternoon. Durso has been excused from classes at La Salle High to visit Kozine.

While making the trek, he's blurting out, "I don't care what the doctor says. I'm playing no matter what."

"My mom didn't like that too much," he said. "She told me, 'We're going by what he says.' "

Durso, a 5-9, 160-pound junior, suffered a break at the base of his left thumb on Nov. 12 as the

Explorers rolled past Father Judge in a Catholic League quarterfinal. To repair the damage, Kozine had

to insert two screws.

Durso could only watch the next two games. But as the Explorers trotted onto the field last night before

7,000 energized fans at Northeast High, there he was rarin' to go, sporting a pad close to 2 inches thick

to cover his thumb and wrist.

It would be stretching to contend Durso was the reason La Salle bested Archbishop Ryan, 14-7, to win its

first CL championship since 1989. But he was assuredly a reason, both for tangible and intangible

reasons.

Durso gained 43 yards on 10 carries and ran 4 yards for what turned out to be the decisive touchdown (it

made the score 14-0) with 9 minutes, 51 seconds remaining.

After Ryan scored with 2:22 left on Chris Cavallaro's 3-yard run, and after Ryan had an onsides kick

recovery nullified because it touched the ball before it went 10 yards, and after Ryan kept La Salle from

running out the clock but could not come close to making things dangerous on its last-gasp possession,

and after about 200 La Salle students came pouring over the fence at the front of the stands to charge

onto the field and celebrate with the players, Durso talked about getting back on the field.

After wiping away tears of joy, that is.

"I had to use my political skills," Durso said, smiling. "He bought it.

"When he said I could play, it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I didn't expect to start, or to

be able to do anything, really. I just wanted to get out here and be a part of it, even if that meant just

blocking. Everybody seemed to be happy I was back."


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Said center Sean Hunsicker: "We were shocked. We thought his hand was too messed up to make it

back. But it was great, definitely. His return was a big emotional factor. He gets us fired up."

by Joe Fite, Inquirer

La Salle Tops Ryan, 14-7, For Crown. Explorers Play Big On Defense.

PHILADELPHIA — La Salle ended the 1995 football season Friday night with a big celebration at

Northeast High.

The Explorers scored a pair of second-half touchdowns and stuffed Archbishop Ryan's vaunted running

game to win the Catholic League championship, 14-7, before a packed house at Charlie Martin Memorial

Stadium.

It was the 11th straight win for the Explorers (11-2), The Inquirer's No. 3-ranked area team, and their first

title since 1989. It was their sixth title overall.

La Salle has beaten the Raiders (8-5) twice this season after going winless against them since 1988.

La Salle went into the game looking to shut down Ryan's running game and did so admirably. Led by

defensive lineman Keith Lachawiec, the Explorers held the Raiders to 93 yards rushing.

"What we wanted to get done tonight is play defense," La Salle coach Joe Colistra said. "We knew we

were going to be able to score points. We had to keep them from driving the ball on us, holding on to the

ball and driving. That's what we had to stop, and we did."

The Explorers stopped Ryan early when the Raiders threatened in the first quarter. Lachawiec fumbled

on La Salle's second play of the game, giving Ryan possession at the Explorers' 40-yard line. Chris

Kennedy gained 3 yards, and Chris Cavallaro, who ran for more than 1,000 yards this season, picked up

2 more. But a third-down pass by Jason Lappe fell incomplete, forcing a punt.

La Salle also had its chances to score in the first half. The best came when the Explorers reached the

Ryan 9-yard line midway through the second quarter. A 14-yard pass from Brett Gordon (9 for 18, 108

yards) to Mike Mattia for 14 yards and a 30-yard burst off left tackle by Kyle Mallach got them there. But

Gordon was sacked at the 19 by Ed Pisarek, and Dave Ault ended the drive with an interception at the 5.

In the third quarter, La Salle featured its running attack, a departure

from the high-octane passing game the Explorers had featured all season. The running game was

bolstered by the return of leading rusher Mike Durso, who missed most of the playoffs with a broken

thumb.

La Salle started the drive at the Raiders' 43-yard line and was on the 16 after six running plays. Gordon

hooked up with Mattia for a 15-yard completion to the 1, and Mallach took it in for a touchdown on the

next play with 2 minutes, 22 seconds left in the quarter. Gordon added the extra point for a 7-0 Explorers

lead.


Lachawiec Leads La Salle Charge On Several Fronts. Although The Tireless Senior Was At His

Best On Defense, He Also Played A Standout Game On Offense.

PHILADELPHIA — Hundreds of La Salle students and fans swarmed onto the field in celebration after

the Explorers captured the Catholic League football championship Friday night.

But it was La Salle senior Keith Lachawiec who was all over the field during the Explorers' 14-7 win over

Archbishop Ryan at Northeast High.


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As a defensive lineman, Lachawiec would lead the charge into Ryan's backfield on one play, then make

a touchdown-saving tackle 20 yards downfield on the next. On a team and in a league where one-

platoon football still rules, Lachawiec also shares the Explorers' running duties with juniors Mike Durso

and Kyle Mallach and is a crucial member of the kickoff and punt teams.

"He's our best football player," said La Salle coach Joe Colistra, whose squad is loaded with fine players.

"He's the heart and soul of our team. What he says, goes."

Lachawiec's game against Ryan mirrored the Explorers' season, which began with losses to West

Catholic and Cherokee (N.J.).

With 11 straight wins, La Salle rebounded, and so did Lachawiec, who fumbled the ball on the Explorers'

first possession Friday.

"I was depressed," he said. "I didn't panic. I knew I wouldn't play on offense as much. We have three

good backs, and we can all switch."

Nobody, however, can substitute for Lachawiec on defense. If he was depressed about the fumble, he

took it out on the Raiders rather than himself.

"I'm better defensively," said Lachawiec, a 5-foot-10, 192-pounder who is still undecided on a college.

"Coach always tells me not to get my offense and defense mixed up."

If Lachawiec did get the two mixed up, it's because he was playing so well on both. Before the first

quarter ended, he stopped Ryan senior running back Chris Cavallaro for a 2-yard loss and sacked

quarterback Jason Lappe for a 4- yard loss.

It took Lachawiec even less time to get going offensively. On La Salle's first offensive play after the

fumble, he hauled in a 20-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Brett Gordon.

Although neither team scored in the first half, La Salle won the battle for field position. Ryan's final

possession of the half began at the Explorers' 2- yard line after Lachawiec and junior Brendan Coyle

hustled to keep Andrew Middlemiss' punt from bouncing into the end zone.

"He never gets tired," Colistra said.

Documents

La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 1995 · La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 1995 1 ... La Salle College High School Football: ... "We were passing the