Archbishop Ryan’s football team had a big day on Thanksgiving, rolling to a 42-0 victory over George Washington at Mickey Young Memorial Stadium.
Ryan took a 7-0 lead after the first quarter. Following an interception by Mekhi Stallings, Dave Spinelli ran for a 3-yard touchdown.
Ryan scored three more times in the second quarter.
On a 4th-and-goal, quarterback B.J. Scott found Danny Celins wide open in the end zone.
The ensuing kickoff was short, and it was recovered by Ryan’s Stallings. Four plays later, Stallings ran for a 17-yard touchdown.
With just four seconds left in the half, Ryan’s Edwin Cruz recovered a fumble at the Eagles 20-yard line. On the next play, Scott threw a touchdown pass to Austin Lyons, and Ryan led 28-0 at halftime.
To start the third quarter, Spinelli ran back the kick 78 yards to the Washington 7. Two plays later, Ryan lineman Logan Seider ran for a 2-yard score to make it 35-0.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Spinelli ran for a 9-yard touchdown for a 42-0 lead.
After the game, state Sen. Joe Picozzi and the Northeast Times presented Most Valuable Player and Sportsmanship awards to each team.
Ryan’s MVP was Spinelli, while the Sportsmanship winner was Zack Taylor.
Spinelli caught eight balls for 97 yards and carried four times for 24 yards and two touchdowns. Scott threw for 187 yards and two TDs. Kicker Thanas Strati made all six extra points with the wind blowing.
Washington’s MVP was Rashad Sommerville, while the Sportsmanship winner was Max Bershadskiy. Somerville rushed 10 times for 50 yards, caught two passes and made an interception.
Ryan finished 9-3. The Raiders won the Catholic League Blue Division for the second year in a row. Spinelli was the division MVP. Lee Marvel was Coach of the Year. Ryan loses some good players to graduation, but returns a lot of talent, led by lineman Stanley Montgomery, who has committed to Syracuse.
Washington, under coach Austin Brasche, finished 3-8.
Ryan leads the rivalry 39-10-1, including a 37-10-1 record on Thanksgiving. The Raiders have won the last five meetings and 13 of the last 14. ••
