Bishop McDevitt overpowers Jenkintown for spot in District 1/12 Class A final
JENKINTOWN >> The formula for shutting down Bishop McDevitt’s offense all year has not been a secret to any team that it has faced.
Shutting the McDevitt offense down however has been a different story.
“We all felt pressure before the game,” McDevitt running back Vince Dileo said. “We know what we had to do, come out here and get this win.”
Even with starting quarterback Max Bryson out for the last five or six weeks, the Lancer offense has still been humming as demonstrated by its latest outburst Saturday as it defeated Jenkintown 51-7 in the District 1/12 Class A semifinals. It was the second straight game McDevitt has put up 50 plus points.
“I think we’re all just working as a team right now,” Dileo said. “We’re all doing our part, doing what the coaches tell us to do and execute on the most part, that’s how we get these W’s.”
The McDevitt offense starts with its skilled position players. Dileo and Dontae Mason hold down the running back position, although Mason has filled the role of quarterback in Bryson’s absents.
On the outside, big and speedy Jaron Macon does most of the pass catching for the Lancers as he put his skills on display again Saturday afternoon. Macon had 164 yards receiving on four catches, three going for touchdowns in the first half.
What makes the McDevitt weapons so potent is their versatility. Mason does a little bit of everything even playing quarterback when the aforementioned Bryson went down. Mason explained after last week’s win against KIPP Dubois in District 12 Class A championship, he is willing to do anything “to help the team win.”
“We spread people out and it’s hard (to defend),” McDevitt coach Pat Manzi said. “If you cover one we can go to the other so I imagine we have that flexibility.”
Dileo showed off his offensive versatility Saturday as he hauled in three passes for 62 yards while also running for 82 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Sometimes the Lancers use him sparingly but he always seems to be a big play waiting for a place to happen as proven by his 65-yard touchdown run on the first play of the third quarter.
“I give that all to my coach,” Dileo said of the offensive versatility. “Coach, and everybody at practice paying attention so when different people get in at different positions they know what they’re doing.”
McDevitt is playing its best football of the season at exactly the right time. In addition to playing well, Manzi explained how the team is starting to mature as well which for sure coincides with good play.
“We talked about maturing at the right time,” Manzi said. “We had some ups and downs and we’re young in some areas and making mistakes but the last couple weeks our practices have been very good. And that’s the difference (if) you practice well you come to the game kind of prepared and good about yourselves.
