McQuaid cruises past UPrep to make history with fifth straight Section V football title

VICTOR — John Harding spent the postgame of his latest section championship victory clowning with his McQuaid teammates, showing sportsmanship to his opponents, and accidentally breaking his MVP trophy.

Harding also joined McQuaid's football team as they spread all five digits on their hands to represent their string of unprecedented Section V Class AA championships.

The Knights' latest title win may have been their most impressive. Harding scored four touchdowns, and Eoin Meyer added two, leading an offensive attack that exclusively leaned on the running game during a 45-15 win over University Prep.

Each of McQuaid's five championship teams had their own path to the brick. This year's Knights managed to remain unbeaten with come-from-behind wins and holding on to late leads against Section V's toughest teams. The game plan they utilized to score 45 straight points to defeat a high-powered UPrep team was, at the very least, remarkable and impressive.

"Every group is special," McQuaid coach Bobby Bates said. "Every group means a lot. This group stands up to that. They're a fun group to be with, fun group to be around. They work really hard and buy into the system."

What it means

Bates' McQuaid Knights improved to 11-0. The win marked the program's sixth overall title. Their first came in 1978 before Bates' staff began their string of five consecutive titles in 2019, which resulted in a state finals appearance.

McQuaid clinched a region finals berth where a common opponent awaits.

UPrep coach Isiah Young's Griffins ended the season 9-2. They captured the Class A1 title in the fall 2021 season before moving up to Class AA in 2022. Star receiver Tyrell Simmons scored two touchdowns in the loss.

Junior quarterback Tavion Byrd suffered a scary injury late in the third quarter. Byrd's thumbs up received heavy applause as he left the field in an ambulance. Senior receiver Juelz Russell exited Saturday's final with an injury in the second quarter.

Football: Section V scores for 2023 season

Award winners

MVP: McQuaid's John Harding. The senior running back rushed for four touchdowns in the win. Harding immediately became one of Section V's best players when he became the starter in 2022, and stamped his legacy with perhaps his best performance to capture another championship.

After the game, Harding shared hugs with UPrep stars Simmons and Isaiah Moonschein before they left the field. The Griffins' coaching staff even gave Harding a commemorative game ball for his performance.

"It starts with the environment, the brotherhood that we have, the community that we have, the coaching staff we have," Harding said. "It all just adds up. We do a great job. ... The tradition just carries on.

Offensive MVP: McQuaid's Eoin Meyer. The senior running back scored a pair of rushing touchdown in the Class AA final.

Defensive MVP: McQuaid's Nathan Earl. The senior defensive end collected a sack, and helped Charlie Raymond, Paul Rizzo and Zach Couch restrict stud running back CJ Robinson to 78 yards. Brenton Paladino and Connor McDonough each caught an interception.

Most Outstanding Lineman: McQuaid's Aiden Jones. The senior offensive tackle guided an unstoppable rushing attack. Jones' line owned the line of scrimmage against the likes of UPrep's Isaiah Moonschein, Kamari Miller and Taivon Wilson so well that quarterback Will DiMarco attempted just one pass.

Unsung hero

Dominic Sansone

McQuaid's senior kick was money yet again. He made all seven PATs and nailed a 41-yard field goal that could have easily entered the uprights from 50 yards out. The field goal gave McQuaid a 10-7 first quarter lead.

Top plays

Harding's third touchdown was the result of teamwork. His 14-yard score was almost stopped at the five-yard line, but Jones, Earl, Paladino, Weber and Bryce Weber pushed Harding against UPrep defenders into the end zone for a 31-7 third quarter advantage.

Simmons gave UPrep a 7-0 lead on its first possession. The senior receiver motioned left and caught a flare from quarterback Tavion Byrd. Russell held his block and Simmons' speed was more than enough to outrun the defense for a 40-yard touchdown. Simmons had four receptions for 66 yards.

What's next

McQuaid will play three-time Section VI champion Bennett in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA Far West Regionals at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Williamsville South High School. Coach Steve McDuffie's Tigers (10-0) have eliminated the Knights in the previous two region finals.

In the 2022 region final, Bennett beat McQuaid 20-14 on the way to a NYS championship. The Tigers were the NYS runners-up in 2021.

"We're going to take it week by week, but we want to raise the standard, and hopefully get to that state championship," Harding said.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V football: McQuaid makes history with fifth straight title