Garnet Valley’s Drew Van Horn with a reception in front of two Blue team defenders as the Red was on its way to a 14-9 Hero Bowl win at Cardinal O’Hara. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)
By Jack McCaffery
Jake Rama understood the risks, calculated the rewards and finally Thursday night, owned the moment.
Due to report in July to play Division I football for St. Francis at the FBS level, the Springfield High quarterback did not want to miss the 45th Hero Bowl and whatever potential jolts, twists or bruises it may have supplied.
There is a time, he figured, for everything.
“The (St. Francis) coaches never said anything about it, but I would have understood the worries,” he said. “But I knew this was it for my high school career. This was the last hurrah.”
What Rama did not anticipate was just how late that last blast of satisfaction would arrive in the game at Cardinal O’Hara to benefit the families of fallen police, firemen and first responders, but that would have been him under center with 4:57 left and leading a game-winning drive. Capped by a five-yard reception from Amir Byrd of Radnor, Rama’s effort was good for a come-from-behind, 14-9 victory for the Red over the Blue.
Rama completed eight of 16 passes for 84 yards, and was named the offensive MVP of the Red squad, made up of stars from the Central League and Delco Christian. Joe Checchio of Garnet Valley was the Reds’ defensive MVP.
(click on this link for the full stories)
Missed the game? Watch the entire game in the archives at PA Football News.
