For the first time in the 14-year history of the Cote Cup competition, the Bishop Ryan Celtics celebrated and took home the trophy.
The Cote Cup goes each year to the winner of the regular-season senior high school football game between the St. John Henry Newman Cardinals and the Bishop Ryan Celtics.
The game was initiated to honour Father Ron Cote, who served as principal at both schools -- from 1962-75 at BR and 1975-77 at Newman.
The Cardinals captured each of the first 13 Cup contests until this year. The streak finally ended Friday, however, when the visiting Celtics scored a 27-0 victory.
With the outcome, first-place BR improved to 6-0 in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic standings while Newman finished fourth with a 3-3 record.
"I'm very happy," Celtics coach Jim Davies said. "Winning the Father Cote Cup for the first time is a big deal for our guys.
"Newman traditionally has a strong football program. They have for the last 20-25 years. We've had a few close games against them, sometimes not so close."
The Celtics took a 13-0 lead into the half. That was thanks to a pair of Luca Horvat field goals (from 35 and 23 yards) plus a perfectly-thrown nine-yard touchdown pass to the back of the end zone from quarterback Jack Redmond to Ben Kingston.
A diving interception by defensive back Lucas Underhill set up BR's only major score of the opening half.
After a scoreless third quarter, an interception and return by middle linebacker Jacob Grajales moved the Celtics into position for a one-yard touchdown toss from Redmond to Andrew Centurami.
Gabriel Nazy then recovered a fumble on the next kickoff and BR took advantage with a two-yard touchdown reception by Centurami.
Horvat was successful on all three of his conversion attempts.
"I enjoyed making history with my friends," Grajales said. "We have a great rivalry with Newman. It was different this time because we won."
Grajales, Levi Snider, Andrew Mikho and Marcus Muraca formed a veteran linebacking group which turned in another solid performance.
"I'm confident in our defence," Grajales said. "We've only given up 10 points all year."
Three first-half lost fumbles stalled the Bishop Ryan offence and even Grajales fumbled on his lengthy interception return (BR regained possession). Said Grajales: "Just in the heat of the moment you forget to hold the ball with two hands. We were corrected on that."
Davies said the day was memorable, too, because long-time Bishop Ryan coach Aldo D'Intino was involved in the post-game ceremonies.
"He handed me the trophy," Davies said of D'Intino, who taught and coached at BR for 37 years. "It was special for me and the team. It was truly an honour."
Semifinal playoffs begin Oct. 31. The matchups have Newman travelling to Bishop Ryan and the second-place Bishop Tonnos Titans playing host to the third-place St. Thomas More Knights.
Other senior scores on the final day of the schedule were: More 50 Brebeuf 7, Tonnos 32 Cathedral 6.
In a Tier 2 semifinal Friday, the fifth-place St. Mary Crusaders have a bye while the Cathedral Gaels take on the Braves at St. Jean de Brébeuf.
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