In His Final Game Borzillo Leads Pope John Paul II to Second Consecutive PAC Championship
Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News, pfn
Willie McGonigle | October 26, 2024
ROYERSFORD: Entering Friday Night’s Pioneer Athletic Conference Game Pope John Paul II’s Anthony Borzzillo knew that Friday night would be the final time he strapped on the pads and played in a high school football game. While his Golden Panthers teammates will now begin the defense of their District 1 4A title, the Senior Malvern Prep transfer will be forced to watch from the sidelines for the rest of the season. Borzzillo made sure his final game was memorable starring on both the offensive and defensive lines as his Golden Panthers captured their second consecutive Pioneer Athletic Conference championship defeating Perkiomen Valley 28-19.
Making things more interesting was that Borzzillo grew up and attended Perkiomen Valley School Districts school’s all the way up enrolling in Malvern Prep his freshman year of high school.
When asked about his decision to transfer to Pope John Paul II for his senior year Borzzillo said “It’s been the right choice for me “This environment, the coaches, everything here gave me the best chance to play college football.” But for Borzzillo this was the best way for him to end his career “This is the best way to go out,” It would be great to play until we lose, but this is a story tale ending.” He said.
After forcing the Golden Panthers to a three and out on the game’s opening drive the Vikings struck first marching right down the field 80 yards on seven plays with QB Patrick MacDonald ending the drive with an 3-yard touchdown. On the ensuing drive the Golden Panthers QB Luke Terlesky was intercepted by Dimitri Toman however the Vikings couldn’t capitalize on the turnover.
On their third drive of the game, the Golden Panthers offense got rolling piecing together an 11-play 69 drive that was capped with a two-yard touchdown run by Boyd Skarbek. Sam Simonic’s extra point gave PJP the 7-6 lead.
On their next drive, the Golden Panthers marched 78 yards on nine plays with Braden Reed capping the drive with his four-yard touchdown run.
The Vikings responded on their ensuing drive going 62 yards on four plays before MacDonald connected with Joey Keough for 24 yard touchdown. The two point conversion was stuffed by the Golden Panthers defense and PJP took the 14-12 lead into the locker room at halftime.
With the Viking’s defense focusing on keeping Reed at Bay the Golden Panthers needed someone else to step up and have a big-time game. Brandon D’Angelo answered the call in a big way in the second half.
After the Vikings appeared to take momentum with MacDonald hitting a wide-open Keough for an 82-yard touchdown on the second play of the second half. On the ensuing kickoff, the Vikings made the mistake of kicking to D’Angelo and he made them pay big time returning the kickoff 77 yards giving the Golden Panthers the lead again at 21-19.
Following a fumble on the ensuing Viking drive that was recovered by Skarbek, D’Angelo struck again hauling in a pass from Terlesky and taking it 78 yards for the touchdown.
D’Angelo hauled 8 passes for 118 yards and post game was quick to give credit to Braden Reed for his big game saying “Without Braden Reed, I don’t think the game happens this way,” he said. “The distraction he provides by teams having to focus on him allows me to get open. I have to thank Braden as well as my teammates and coaches.”
With the Vikings driving late in the fourth quarter Borzillo fulfilled a prophecy that he told his family all during the offseason that he would get an interception. “I always said I was gonna get one (interception) this year.” He said.
The Golden Panthers end the regular season with a 9-1 and will be the number one seed in the District 1 4A playoffs they will host Lower Moreland next Friday night. The Vikings finish the regular season at 7-3 and will host Downingtown East in the First Round of the District 1 6A Playoffs next Friday night
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