The Shamrocks shine in their first home game
“Home games are really fun. We’re really blessed to be able to play on a really nice field, thanks to Ave Maria University, so it’s always fun to host,” says Mr. Peter Scheck, himself a Donahue Academy graduate (‘13) and the school’s Head Football Coach. (Mr. Scheck also teaches Grade 10 Humanities and Grades 11 and 12 Greek.) “Everyone is really just buying into the culture this year and becoming one big band of brothers and just fighting for each other,” adds senior Isaac Loboda. This camaraderie and determination shone brightly on the school’s first home game against Lake Mary on Friday, September 5.
The Shamrocks prevailed over the Griffins for a final score of 54-6. How did the team achieve such a dominant result so early in the season? “It’s a great team and a great program. It really brings all the guys out here and proves that we can all work together,” offers freshman Matthew Baalman.
And work together they did! The Shamrock offense was led by junior quarterback Luke Misek, who ran for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns, threw for 111 yards and a touchdown, and also caught a 25-yard touchdown from Isaac Loboda. Ernesto Vazquez-Mosqueda added 143 rushing yards and a touchdown. Senior Paul Berg played a solid game on both offense and defense. He rushed for 14 yards and a touchdown and had both an interception and forced fumble on defense. Junior William Bustamante had 30 receiving yards and caught a touchdown, and junior Clement Valle returned a fumble for a 92-yard touchdown. After falling behind 6-0, the Shamrock defense allowed zero points for the rest of the game. Junior Bede Shephard had 2 tackles, 4 assisted tackles, and 1 sack while senior Timothy Gawron had 2 tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and 1 sack. Freshman Isaac Roder had 3 tackles, 3 assisted tackles, and 1 sack.
he team’s strong performance was matched by an enthusiastic audience. Mrs. Barbara Bustamante checked in game-goers – who paid $12 per family or $150 for the season to partake in the upbeat energy. Nearby, families enjoyed concessions including hot Ledo’s pizza and freshly homebaked goods by the Pro-Life Club.
The evening’s spirit was nicely captured by Rhetoric Stage students, who, sporting the night’s neon theme, were apt cheerleaders. “I just love Donahue football. It had a huge impact on my life as a kid and I’m just grateful that I get to give back and hopefully recreate some of that culture,” concluded Mr. Scheck. Go Shamrocks!
