By: Charlie Schmatz ‘22

After wrapping up the regular season, winning three of their last four games, the Flyers varsity football team finished the 2021 regular season with a 5-3 overall record. This year, one of the Flyers’ most significant assets was their rushing attack, led by senior running back Christian Alacqua ‘22, arguably one of the best players in the Catholic AAA league. In just 8 games, Alacqua rushed for over 1000 yards and 15 touchdowns, most among all other offensive players. Alacqua helped contribute to crucial wins over St. Peter’s and St. Francis Prep, tallying 347 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns over both contests. In addition to the Flyers’ rushing attack, senior wide receiver Michael Miller ‘22 and junior wide receiver Gavin Creo ‘23 helped the team in the passing game when they needed it. Miller registered 3 touchdowns, while Creo registered 4 touchdowns during the regular season and helped lead the Flyers’ to victories over Monsignor Farrell and Fordham Prep. 

Perhaps the Flyers’ most vital point in the regular season was their defense, holding their opponents to just 18 points per game on average. Led by senior defensive end duo Thomas Kemp IV ‘22 and Anthony Scala ‘22, the Flyers’ defense finished the regular season with 16 sacks. Junior linebacker Charles Battaglia ‘23 also played a key role on defense, finishing with 65+ tackles, fourth among Catholic AAA players. While the Flyers’ pass rush was where most of their success came from, the team’s secondary showed out in their wins. Senior cornerback Angel Jimenez ‘22 was arguably the team’s best defensive back during the regular season, recording 3 interceptions, tied for the most in the Catholic AAA. Senior safety/returner Hagan Wagner ‘22  also played a vital role in both the secondary and the pass rush, finishing the regular season with 2 sacks and an interception. The Flyers’ defense continued the same success they saw during the regular season into the playoffs.

While the Flyers’ 5-3 regular-season record wasn’t enough to get them into the Catholic AAA playoffs, the Flyers played in the Catholic AA playoffs as the #1 seed. The Flyers’ top seed gave them a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so their championship run began on Saturday, 11/13, at Gold Star Stadium vs. Fordham Prep. The Flyers defeated Fordham Prep by a final score of 31-0, after impressing on both sides of the ball. This past weekend, the Flyers faced off against Moore Catholic and defeated them 43-7, winning the Catholic AA Championship. Senior QB Thomas Stueber ‘22 won offensive MVP in the game after accounting for 3 total touchdowns: 1 passing and 2 rushing. Senior safety Hagan Wagner ‘22 won defensive MVP in the game after a game-sealing pick six. After another successful season led by head coach Kevin Dolan, the Flyers already have their eyes set on 2022.