In one of the most competitive playoff games in Seton Hall Prep’s history the Pirates fell one point short of defeating Saint Peter’s. This is the third time that a Seton Hall Prep vs Saint Peter’s football game resulted in a one-point difference, the last being in the regular season whn the Marauders defeated the Pirates in September 22-21 in triple overtime.  

At the start of the game, it looked like Saint Peter’s was going to blow out Seton Hall Prep. Their defense allowed zero points in the first half, stopped the run, and created havoc for Jaden Craig ’22. On the offensive end, the Marauders relied on their offensive line. On the first possession for Saint Peter’s, Sam Slade marched his team downfield and QB Champ Long scored a 5-yard run. After SHP couldn’t move the ball on offense, the Marauders capitalized on a 73-yard run from Slade. The Marauders went up 14-0 at the half.

There would be no more scoring in the game till the 4th quarter. After a successful 4th and long run by Craig, Myles Thomason ’22 ran into the endzone for the Pirates’ first touchdown. However, on their 33-yard line, Champ Long fired a 67-yard touchdown to Zion Flower to extendthe SPP lead to 21-7; but the Pirates were not finished. Scrambling around in the pocket Craig found Brody Davis ’23 wide open to put the Pirates one score away from tying the game. The Pirates were destined to get the ball back, and on a critical 3rd and 10 Pirates linebacker, Jordan McAllister ’23, sacked Champ Long giving The Prep a chance to tie.

With 3 minutes left Craig found Mac McAteer ’22 downfield to put the Pirates in the red zone. Coach Fitzgerald decided to rely on his offensive line and put the ball in Myles Thomason’s hands. His plan worked as Myles scored putting the Pirates a PAT away from tying the game. The most important call of the game for Coach Fitzgerald was made here: after calling a timeout Coach decided to keep his offense out there and go for two. On a trick play, WR Eli Rippey ’23 threw the ball to Craig in the back of the end zone, but the pass was incomplete. However, there was still hope. The Pirates defense forced a 4th and inches on SPP’s 35-yard line. Saint Peter’s gave the ball to their defensive tackle, Logan Barnes, and he sealed the game with a 23-yard run. The Pirates lost 21-20.  

The Prep ended their season 7-4 with key wins over Delbarton and Don Bosco. Everyone from The Pirate would like to thank the seniors who made this incredible season happen.