Bishop Shanahan shuts out Upper Moreland for District 1 Class 4A title

DOWNINGTOWN >> Bishop Shanahan knew that after a grueling slog through the best division of the best league in District 1, the Class 4A playoffs would be a different story.
Friday night, the Eagles wrote a convincing chapter in that tale.
Bishop Shanahan rushed its way to a District 1 Class 4A title Friday Night, behind the stout play of ots defense and the relentless spirit of its rushing attack. The Eagles rushed for five touchdowns in a 35-0 win over Upper Moreland.
“It feels great to be a champion,” said Eagles defensive linemen Jack Lyons. “We’ve been working all four years for this. Ever since I came here, we haven’t made it very far into the playoffs and for this to be my senior year and to make it this far, it’s very special to me and all of the seniors.”
Shanahan will meet District 4 champion Jersey Shore next weekend at a neutral site in what is officially the first round of the PIAA Class 4A playoffs.
The Eagles started the game ready for battle. Within just five plays of the opening kickoff, the Eagles scored their first touchdown and jumped out to an early lead. A forced fumble by Lyons on the Bears’ third offensive play would set up the Eagles’ first offensive possession on the opposing 16-yard line. Before the Bears knew it, Cooper Jordan would run in his first touchdown of the night.
On the second Bears possession, the Eagles’ defense continued to bring the heat as the defense would force a turnover on downs and start what would be a trend for the night. The Eagles forced five turnovers on downs, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.
While the Eagles’ rushing attack would account for all five touchdowns with scores from Gus Ross, Jon Loftus and Brandon Choi, the final touchdown would be the heartbreaker for Upper Moreland. Already up 28 points, Bishop Shanahan would get the ball to start the second half behind the legs and arm of Jordan. The speedster led the Eagles nearly 70 yards and scored his second touchdown. The score would put the game too far out of reach for the momentum switch to put the Bears back into the game.
“We are a young team and we suffered through a lot of injuries and we still got to this point,” said Upper Moreland head Coach C.J. Szydlik. “I just told these guys that they have nothing to hang their head about. We played with class and we played the game the right way. We’ll be back. We jut have to work harder.
“Bishop Shanahan had some big strong guys and a lot of seniors,” Szydlik continued. “That’s what my young guys have to see. There’s another level that they have to take it to. We’ll get there.”
According to Lyons and Jordan, the journey is not over. They have to get back to it this week. Practice hard, learn the game plan and continue to fight to get to Hershey.