Ryan seniors go out with win

BOBBY McDEVITT emerged from his final position-player meeting, face speckled with crimson as mud cascaded down his nose and an old but reopened scab glistened red on his forehead.

Thanksgiving Day marked was the Archbishop Ryan senior's last high school football game and the finality, in the form of tears, drizzled down his face.

The Raiders were victorious, 28-20, against host George Washington High, but McDevitt's countenance was still stained with sadness as he left the huddle one last time.

"Sorry," he said wiping away tears as he was approached, "a little emotional."

Assured apologies were not in order, the 5-10, 210-pound fullback/linebacker gathered himself. "It's my last game," he said, "just a little emotional."

If you didn't already know that McDevitt was a leader for the Raiders (6-6, 2-2), his muck-caked jersey and blood-stained face told the tale.

Defensively, the Parkwood resident made 11 tackles and recovered a fumble. Offensively, McDevitt cleared room for Samir Bullock's 178 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for a 35-yard touchdown.

Bullock, a senior running back named Catholic League AAA MVP by league coaches this season, also broke his own school record (2,055 as a junior) for yards in a season, finishing with 2,068.

"He's the best player I've ever played with," said McDevitt, a first-team coaches' pick on defense. "And he's a good leader, too, because he gets us all going. And, he always says 'Thank you' after he gets a long run. He makes sure to come over to me."

The record-breaking run came during a critical fourth-quarter possession after Washington cut the lead to 21-20.

Trailing 21-0 in the second, the depleted Eagles (7-6, 4-2) soared behind a pair of Quadir Cobbs touchdown runs (3 and 8 yards, respectively).

Ron Cohen's Public League AAAA squad almost couldn't field a team after several players missed practice this week.

However, those who remained played inspired football. Cobbs, a junior, finished with 134 yards on 34 carries. Tavious Morgan, a senior wideout/defensive back, added 59 yards on four totes with 19 yards and three catches.

Senior defensive stoppers Shawn Henderson and Shareef Miller were also major disruptors.

The Eagles nearly drew even after freshman QB Cameron Gontek found Morgan for a 4-yard score with 3:55 left. However, the point-after kick was low and deflected at the line.

Then, with McDevitt leading the way on Ryan's next play from scrimmage, Bullock busted a 60-yard touchdown run.

"He had a great block," Bullock said. "Made a wide-open hole and left the job up to me, and I just made it happen. It feels great to go out with a win with a great group of guys and coaching staff, because they deserved it."

Bullock has has narrowed his college choices to Delaware and Wake Forest. No offer yet, but he has planned an official visit, he said.

Earlier this season, Bullock passed Joe Zeglinski (3,289 yards in 2005) as Ryan's career rushing leader (4,123). For his career (including one season at Father Judge), Bullock owns 5,209 yards, fifth in city history.

However, it was McDevitt and the defense that had the final say, stopping Washington on downs after Bullock's long run. Senior Seneca Williams caught two passes for 37 yards and a TD, and also made several key tackles throughout.

"I enjoy what I do," McDevitt said. "Playing fullback and linebacker, I'm always hitting somebody. Just being allowed to go out there and hit people and being around with my friends."

Collegiately, he isn't sure what's next, but McDevitt said Lock Haven, West Chester, Bloomsburg and others have shown interest.

There was no doubt, however, what would hit his plate first during Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmother's (Sue McDevitt) house in Parkwood.

"I'm turkey," he said, smiling. "I go for the turkey. Turkey and gravy, has to be gravy."