First Win in Three Years Ends St. Joseph’s Football Season on High Note

The St. Joseph Chargers football team has had a rough time of it these past three years, winless in 2010 and 2011 and 0-8 this year, but finally broke through last Friday to their long losing streak by grabbing a 20-16 win over the St Laurence Vikings (1-8).

Sophomore Brandon Johnson busted off a 59-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and the Chargers (1-8) defense stopped the answering drive at their own 25 to seal the win and set off the celebration.

It was the first win for second-year coach Anthony Griffin as well.

‘Playing through adverse situations, staying together as a team, staying focused—all those things came together on this last ride,” Griffin said.

“It’s huge to be going into the next season with a winning streak… Now these young men have something to be motivated for and look forward to.”

Johnson ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the game, and senior Nick Genova also carried for his first-ever high school touchdown on a 39-yard run in the first quarter. 

Four St. Joseph’s players made the Catholic League Red All-Conference team: Johnson, wide receiver Demetrius Morrow, defensive back Julius Wesley Becton III and offensive tackle Jervon Hudson.