Pius X Wins District XI Class A Title

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Sometimes things can't be explained; like why was today's District XI Class A playoff game played on what would have been the 80th birthday of the man that the Pius X Royals dedicated their season to.

The Royals have dedicated the 2011 season to their longtime fan John "Pappy" Hildabrant, who passed away during preseason camp in August.  Today, the Royals went after District XI Class A gold against Shenandoah Valley at Nazareth on what would have been "Pappy's" 80th birthday.

With the memory of "Pappy" in their minds and his name on the back of their helmets, the Royals dismantled the Blue Devils 50-12.  The Royals finished second in the district the past two years.

The Royals were led by quarterback A.J. Long and Boise Ross.  Long, who broke the record for TDs in a season (37), was 10 of 17 for 206 yards and two touchdowns.  The sophomore QB also rushed for 173 yards on 13 carries and two scores.

Ross, a junior, scored three touchdowns; he only had six touches, but put-up 276 yards in total offense.  Ross caught four passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns and carried the ball twice for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The Royals finished the game with 562 yards in total offense.

Next week, Pius X will play Calvary Christian in the opening round of the PIAA state playoffs.

When the Royals returned to their home base of Roseto, the entire team stopped at the Mount Carmel Cemetery to place a gold medal at Pappy's gravesite.

Pennsylvania High School Football Scores
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Playoffs
2nd Round

Class AAAA
University Prep 14 Allderdice 0
State College 42 Erie Strong Vincent 31

Class AAA
Clearfield 29 Johnstown 23
Valley View 18 Dallas 12

Class AA
Pen Argyl 26 Northern Lehigh 7
General McLane 21 Wilmington 18
Hickory 35 North East 0

Class A
Pius X 50 Shenandoah Valley 12
Port Allegany 49 Brockway 21