Archbishop Carroll’s first win product of senior will

RADNOR >> Dan Connor finally notched his first win as Archbishop Carroll’s head football coach with a wild, pass-happy, penalty-filled affair, defeating Bonner & Prendergast, 41-34, Friday night.

It was also the first Patriots win of the season.

“It’s huge,” Connor said. “It’s a testament to the senior class. A lot of teams, a lot of players at this point of the season without a win would throw in the towel and run out the clock. But these kids kept working, they kept working hard and stayed focused, they believe in the system and we beat a really good team. Bonner’s a good team in a good league…it’s a great win for us.”

Carroll (1-9) has played one of the toughest schedules in the Delaware Valley. Several teams such as St. Joe’s Prep and Archbishop Wood are routinely ranked nationally.

Connor said he would not have it any other way.

“I love it,” said Conner, who was a standout linebacker at Strath Haven and Penn State before playing in the NFL for six seasons. “And my guys love it too. We want the best competition and that’s what we’re building around here. We’re going to play the best and we’re going to keep working until we get to that level.”

Bonner & Prendie head coach Jack Muldoon said he knew Carroll was going to be tough to beat.

“We knew they were good,” said Muldoon, who saw his Friars record drop to 4-6 on the season. “We saw them on film and film doesn’t lie. I knew Coach Connor is going to build a great staff and a great program there. He is doing that now.”

The Patriots jumped out to 35-14 lead after their first drive of the third quarter only to see the Friars fight back to make the score 35-28 after three quarters.

Senior quarterback Steve Honick led Carroll going 20 of 30 for 234 yards and four TD passes. Bonner & Prendie was led by Joe Hartley-Vittoria, who rushed 20 times for 164 yards three touchdowns.

Connor was happy with the win but knows he has a way to go.

“We’re not at that level now by any means,” Connor said. “But that’s the goal. The goal is to get on the level of those top dogs in the big division of the PCL (Philadelphia Catholic League). We want it. When I took the job that was the most exciting thing for me. I get to compete not just the best in the State but in the country. I love that competition. We’ve seen the best there is and we grow from it. We get better each week.”