Bishop’s football team ends perfect season as San Diego Division IV champs

The 2014 football season was off to a promising start in September when Bishop’s played La Jolla High for the first time and walked away with the “Pearl Street Trophy.” As the season went on, and the “W” column was filling up, the excitement on campus mounted.

The team’s hard work and dedication paid off. After an undefeated regular season and CIF playoff wins over El Cajon Valley and Castle Park high schools in November, the team was set to face Mater Dei Catholic in the CIF San Diego Section Division IV championship game on Dec. 5.

The Knights traveled to Southwestern College in Chula Vista, and after a slower start than in earlier games this season, they found themselves behind 10-0 in the fourth quarter. Fortunately, quarterback Griffin Seaman ’16 of Carmel Valley threw two touchdown passes to Mozes (Momo) Mooney ’18, bringing Bishop’s to a 13-10 lead late in the game.

The game wasn’t over yet, however, as Mater Dei kicked a field goal right before the clock ran out. The excitement was palpable as overtime play ensued, with Mater Dei striking first, being held to a field goal after beginning the OT drive from the 25-yard line.

But the Knights seized their opportunity to win, marching to the goal line where Bulla Graft ’15 cemented the Knights’ victory with a one-yard touchdown plunge.

The game kept fans and players on the edge of their seats, and the Bishop’s Knights are the 2014 San Diego Section CIF football champions.

“This year’s team was a group of winners,” said Joel Allen, head football coach. “Each player understood their role and gave everything to their team. I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach each student athlete and can not thank them or their families enough.”

The members of the 13-0 team are:

Christopher Alleyne, Jack Allred (Rancho Santa Fe), Daniel Anderson, Austin Benham, Adam Bilmes, Anthony Britanico, Zack Buehner (Rancho Santa Fe), John (Jack) Case (Rancho Santa Fe), Reginald Davis, Blake Dorvillier (Del Mar), Christian Ford (Rancho Santa Fe), Bryan Gell, Bailey (Bulla) Graft, Richard Hagestad (Del Mar), Mark Johnson, Kameron Jones, Leroy Lanuti, Sergio Martinez, Mozes (Momo) Mooney, Cyrus Nolan, Spencer Pilarski, Cesar Santana, Griffin Seaman (Carmel Valley), Sahil Sheth, Justin Woodley.