Hey Everyone!
Unfortunately, our JV and Varsity teams did not get to play this weekend, as their scheduled opponents forfeited. However, our Developmental Knights took the field for a very special game — the Gator Bowl! 🐊🏈
Allegheny College graciously allowed us to use Frank B. Fuhrer Field for our rematch against the St. Louise de Marillac Trojans. Since Allegheny’s mascot is the Gator, we decided to have a little fun and call it the Gator Bowl!
This game was special for several reasons.
First, our players had the opportunity to play on an NCAA football field! It’s not every day that children this age get to experience playing at a college facility.
Second, Allegheny’s head football coach personally provided Allegheny lanyards for every player. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more memorable.
Lastly, we had some very special guests! The 716 Blizzard, a professional women’s football team from Buffalo, New York, traveled down to cheer on our Knights! Our players were thrilled when we surprised them with the news. One player even joked that he needed to play better in case they were scouting us! After the game, the Blizzard players spoke briefly with our team and joined everyone for a group picture.
And, of course, the cherry on top? Our Developmental Knights earned a hard-fought 18–12 victory!
Game Highlights
Manuel DeJesus Jr. (MTA): 1 rushing touchdown, 4 tackles, and 1 forced fumble
Connor Zaruta (OLP): 1 rushing touchdown, 106 rushing yards, 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack
Maxxon DeJesus (MTA): 1 rushing touchdown
Joe Gambill IV (SJA): First career carries!
Bruce Wayne (MTA): 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks
Jackson Sundberg (SJA): 1 tackle, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack
Player Milestones & Special Recognition
Maxxon DeJesus (MTA)
Maxxon is only a second grader, but he comes to every practice ready to work hard and improve. That dedication paid off this weekend when he scored his first career touchdown as a Knight! His 35-yard run ultimately sealed the victory for our team. What a moment for a young player!
Joe Gambill IV (SJA)
Joe is a first-year player who has made tremendous progress over the past few months. This weekend, he reached another milestone by recording his first career carries as a running back! It’s been wonderful watching his confidence and abilities grow throughout the season.
Bruce Wayne (MTA)
Batman was on a mission this weekend! Bruce had an outstanding defensive performance, making his presence felt in the Trojans’ backfield throughout the game, including two HUGE sacks. He brought tremendous energy to our defense!
Jackson Sundberg (SJA)
Jackson is one of our fifth graders who has graciously agreed to help the Developmental team in addition to playing for JV. He has become an important part of our success.
This weekend, Jackson stepped onto the offensive line and helped contain one of the Trojans’ toughest defenders, contributing to the blocking that made our game-sealing touchdown possible. He also delivered a terrific defensive performance, including a sack and a tackle for loss.
His willingness to help wherever he’s needed is exactly what being a teammate is all about!
Connor Zaruta (OLP)
Connor has been a tremendous leader for our young team throughout the season, but he took that leadership to another level during the Gator Bowl.
Offensively, Connor broke free for a spectacular 65-yard run that ended with a tough tackle. Although he was sore getting back to the huddle, he insisted he was ready to finish the drive — and he did, scoring his second career touchdown!
Our team also faced adversity throughout the game, with four different starters temporarily sidelined by minor injuries. Whether he was playing offense or defense, Connor helped keep his teammates focused and motivated, refusing to take a play off.
His determination and leadership were invaluable.
Bryson Smith (SGS)
While this isn’t necessarily a statistical milestone, I want to recognize something equally important.
Bryson’s positive attitude has been infectious all season long, and the Gator Bowl was no exception!
One of our starting linemen unexpectedly returned from injury earlier than anticipated. When Bryson saw him, he ran across the field cheering his teammate’s name and gave him a huge hug.
Throughout the entire game, Bryson continued to encourage his teammates and spread positivity, regardless of what was happening on the scoreboard.
That kind of enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine love for your teammates deserves to be celebrated just as much as any touchdown or tackle.
Looking Ahead
The Developmental Knights now sit at 4–0 with the #1 playoff seed!
Winning games is exciting, but what makes this season truly special is watching these children grow — not just as football players, but as teammates, leaders, and young people.
I couldn’t be prouder of how this team represents their individual schools and the entire Erie Catholic School System.
Next weekend, the playoffs begin!
Saturday – Hagerty Family Events Center
Varsity Knights vs. – 11:00 AM
JV Knights – 1:00 PM
Developmental Knights vs. St. Louise Trojans – 3:00 PM
Thank you all for your continued support of our student-athletes. We look forward to seeing what the playoffs bring!
Have a wonderful week!
Andrew Huzar
Football Director
Erie Catholic Knights Football
Three Teams. One Kingdom. ⚔️
