Paramus Catholic players celebrate after receiving the Minuteman Trophy during a ceremony at their school.
Photo by Army National Guard
The Garden State was the next stop on the eighth-annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the
Paramus Catholic (N.J.) varsity football team was awarded the Army National Guard national ranking trophy.
At halftime of the boys varsity basketball game, in front of a packed Paramus Catholic gym, Staff Sergeant Mike Biggins of the New Jersey Army National Guard presented head coach Chris Partridge and the New Jersey Non-Public Group 4 state champion Paramus Catholic Paladins football team with the prestigious Army National Guard national ranking trophy. Sergeant Biggins spoke about how a championship football team exemplified and represented the best of character traits such as teamwork, dedication and excellence. The Paladins finished with a 10-2 season, which posted a single-season record for school wins. They also were able to avenge a 35-21 regular-season loss to Bergen Catholic High School by defeating them 37-34 on Dec. 7 to capture the title. The Paladins finished the season ranked No. 38 in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings out of more than 16,000 high school football teams nationwide.
Coach Partridge spoke about this historic accomplishment and award for Paramus Catholic by saying, "It's the first time in history that we're being honored. The kids and the school really appreciate that they [MaxPreps] have taken notice of Paramus Catholic football."
The Paladins, who averaged better than 36 points per game, are hoping that the 2013 season is just as successful, if not more successful. They return many key starters from this year's championship team. Running back Jabrill Peppers ran for 1,552 yards with 18 touchdowns while also having 337 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Steve Shanley threw for 1,755 yards and 21 touchdowns and Keyon Washington finished the season with 782 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. All three players, plus many more starters on both sides of the ball, will be returning next season making the Paladins a very experienced and talented team.
We look forward to seeing what Paramus Catholic has in store for next season and if they can repeat as the New Jersey Non-Public Group 4 state champions, and TOC recipients.
