By Todd Bradley, DCSportsFan.com
MaxPreps.com
Moments after O'Connell's 16-0 victory over Paul VI Friday Night, O'Connell head coach Steve Trimble stood with what seemed like the entire school surrounding him. Parents, students and cheerleaders listened closely as Trimble addressed his football team.
"This is the way you're supposed to feel," Trimble said. "I'll go to battle with you guys any time."
The Knights had fallen out of playoff contention the week before after a last-second loss to Bishop McNamara, but thousands of fans came to see what has become one of the area's greatest rivalries. And by game's end, O'Connell had won 16-0, which was its third shutout of the season and seventh straight victory over Paul VI.
"Once we found out that we weren't going to make the playoffs, it was all about pride," senior quarterback Patrick Thompson said. "We came out here and showed what O'Connell football is really like. After a few years of not so good football, we came out here and proved a point this season, and I hope it lasts forever."
O'Connell (6-4, 3-4) won more games this season than the past two combined, and the play of Thompson and junior Greg Gadell were big reasons why. Thompson managed the game beautifully and put the final nail in the coffin with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Brian Williams in the third quarter.
"[Patrick] has a great arm and has great instincts back in the pocket," Gadell said. "He had some amazing passes today. Not all of them got caught, but they were amazing passes."
Gadell was pretty amazing himself. The junior running back carried the ball 18 times for 144 yards and a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On the season, Gadell carried the ball for over 750 yards, nine touchdowns and had three 100-yard rushing games.
"Greg Gadell is a monster," Thompson said. "He has one of the best work ethics on our team and a bright future ahead of him."
Despite the loss, Paul VI completed what should be considered a very successful season.
The Panthers only finished 4-6 and 2-5 in league play, but beat Ireton, Carroll and Gonzaga and hung with McNamara and St. John's until the final moments. Matt Richards, Idreis Augustus and Dan McGroarty all played great games. Owen Scarbrough punted the ball very effectively and repeatedly pinned back O'Connell's offense, but in the end it wasn't enough. The Knights were able to score points when it counted and prevent the Panthers from finding the end zone.
"It feels great to beat Paul VI because it's my senior year, our last game and we go out on a high note," Thompson said. "But that's just an O'Connell tradition."
Rushing Leaders
O'Connell: Greg Gadell 18-144, Patrick Simms 9-77, Joshua Trimble 14-73
Paul VI: Idreis Augustus 11-35, Dan McGroarty 1-3
Receiving Leaders
O'Connell: Brian Williams 3-46, Alex Berdahl 1-15
Paul VI: Dominic Sanders 5-31, Dan McGroarty 2-22, Scott Simmons 2-18, Michael Lyons 1-16
Passing Leaders
O'Connell: Patrick Thompson 4-10-61
Paul VI: Matt Richards 10-21-87