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Field of Dreams
The 2019 St. John’s Varsity Football seniors could have declared Friday, October 25th as Senior “Skip” Day or “Skip” Night for their performance against ESD on Skip Lee Field. This was the final home game of the season and included a Senior Night ceremony honoring the senior parents and players of the varsity football and cheer teams. The game started at dusk and ended well into the night after two overtime periods. Rest assured, nobody skipped this game nor the previous four that were played on Skip Lee Field this season, all of which ended in Maverick victories.
The only skipping that happened was after Cameron Mudd '20 caught the game-winning pass from George Caldwell '21 in the south end zone for a 41-38 double-overtime victory. St. John’s had built a 21-0 lead into the second period on touchdown runs by Caldwell, Landon McKelvey '21, and a TD pass from Caldwell to Miles Masterson '22. Team defense limited ESD to one score as the half ended with the Mavericks in control 21-6.
After the Eagles responded with a TD catch in the third quarter to cut the lead to 21-12, Lucas Desjardins '20 caught a 46 yard TD pass from Caldwell to answer back.
“It was a good ball and I made move and got in,” said Desjardins, who led the team with 79 receiving yards.
ESD came back for a TD pass of their own but missed another PAT to make it 28-18 Mavericks going into the fourth quarter.
The Mavericks were not able to find any points in the fourth, and the Eagles scored another touchdown and a late field goal to knot it up 28-28 at the end of regulation.
In the first overtime, St. John’s struck first with a 17 yard TD pass from Caldwell to Will Skinner '20, just inside the pylon. On fourth down, Skinner ran his route and just made it in after grabbing Caldwell’s throw. ESD answered with a TD and PAT of their own to make it 35 apiece heading to the second OT.
“We have been working all week on that play and practice makes a habit,” said Skinner.
Team defense made big stops in the next overtime. Middle linebacker Cameron Howley '20 recorded his second sack on the night to back up ESD and put the pressure on the Eagles offense. Defensive back Thomas Grannen '20 broke up their last try to the end zone, forcing a field goal. The ensuing Caldwell to Mudd TD reception made it five for five at home.
“I almost didn’t come out for football,” said Grannen, one of 15 seniors on the team. “I’m so glad I played. It’s a great feeling.”
The rest of the Mavericks are too, as Grannen has been asked to play multiple positions on offense and defense. Another senior, Luke Venus '20, was not sure he would be playing football at all.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Venus. “They were telling me over the summer that playing football was not going to be possible, but I worked and got my chance and it’s paid off. What a win and what a way to end my years on Skip Lee.”
St. John’s five home victories on Skip Lee Field this season were over Concordia Lutheran 21-13, Hyde Park Baptist 34-6, St. Mark’s 24-16, Houston Christian 24-12, and Episcopal School of Dallas 41-38.
“It’s amazing on Senior Night at home to defend Skip Lee,” said Howley. Going undefeated at home it’s unbelievable. Nothing like it has happened in my life.”
Lamar “Skip” Lee came to St. John’s in 1958 where he served for 36 years in different roles as head football and basketball coach, PE teacher, athletic director, classroom teacher, and dean of Upper School. Coach Lee was the second head coach in the football program following Phil Richards. Like his successor Steve Gleaves and new head football coach Kevin Veltri, Lee also coached football at Kinkaid prior to arriving at St. John’s.
“I thought it was an excellent team victory,” said Veltri. “The defense stepped up huge in the second half. You could not ask for a better senior class. It’s an amazing bunch of kids.”
St. John’s plays Kinkaid on Friday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Rice Stadium, with the winner advancing to the SPC 4A Championship game. Don’t skip it!
Sam Chambers '77 - Athletic News
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