Galasso helps Roman foil Father Judge

Ecstasy was just inches away for Matt Galasso.

The Roman Catholic sophomore was a Father Judge freshman last year, but with the Cahillites clinging to a slim, fourth-quarter advantage, Galasso crushed the Crusaders chances.Down six with less than four minutes left, Judge faced fourth and inches near mid-field.

"I knew if they got that first it could have been a game-changer," said Galasso, a 6-3, 220-pound linebacker and defensive end. "You never know what could happen. Everything is so unpredictable."

What a perfect word for last night's Catholic League matchup in Conshohocken, which Roman took, 20-14. The game featured five different quarterbacks, six turnovers, a few blocked kicks and a fumble return for a touchdown.

However, there was once constant: wherever the football went, Galasso wasn't far behind. On the critical fourth down, the Port Richmond resident stuffed Roman backup QB Rob King in the backfield, leaving the Crusaders short.

"It was just the best feeling, man," Galasso said, cheesing. "I don't know, dude. I can't explain it. It just felt so good."

While his older brother Jim, who was a senior linebacker at Judge last year, watching with family on the Roman sidelines, baby brother put on a show. Galasso forced and recovered a fumble and also added an interception. He also made several key tackles, which included Judge's final gasp, a 4th-and-20 with less than two minutes remaining.

Galasso's defensive effort was needed in a second half spent without starting quarterback Phil DiWilliams, who injured his shoulder. Sophomore Anthony Butler filled in and threw a late touchdown pass to senior wide out John Chaney, who also tossed his own TD.

On a half-back option in the second quarter, Chaney sprinted right, planted his back foot and floated a pass to Kenny Avallon, who was all alone for a 40-yard score that helped Roman (4-3, 1-0) enter halftime with a 14-0 lead. DiWilliams finished 5-for-10 for 114 yards. DiWilliams also recovered an A.J. Frazier fumble in the end zone for a score. Butler went 2-for-4 for 43 yards. Hard-running senior running back Dimetri Kelly rumbled for 152 yards and a score on 27 carries. Both Chaney and Frazier finished with 3 catches for 77 yards.

Judge's quarterback situation changed early in the second when senior starter Zack Carroll was subbed for King, a sophomore. After mishandling several snaps and losing two fumbles early, King eventually steeled his nerves and hit Raheem "Speedy" Blackshear for a 20-yard, third-quarter score.

For the Crusaders (4-3, 0-1), senior dynamo Yeedee Thaenrat (16 carries, 63 yards) provided the other score, a 47-yard fumble recovery and rumble to close the gap to six points with 1:22 remaining in the third. Thaenrat also blocked an extra point, forced a fumble and added two sacks. Prince Smith Jr. swatted a fourth-quarter field goal attempt that could have iced the game for Roman. Truth be told, Smith Jr. had a chance at a return touchdown, but he was in celebration mode while a teammate eventually plopped on the ball.

Galasso and the Roman penny pinchers stayed stingy.

"It felt great," he said. "Especially after transferring from Judge. It felt amazing. Probably one of the best feelings I've ever had in my life. Our defense was clicking tonight. We made a few dumb mistakes, but we came together when it mattered most."

Galasso said he transferred because Roman was closer to home. Last April, his brothers Jim and Joe, along with friends, were allegedly attacked and stabbed by a group of people while walking near Lincoln High School. Joe, a standout wrestler, had earned a scholarship to Cornell. Jim suffered the most lasting physical injuries and is still recovering from nerve damage that prevents him from lifting his foot on his own.

"He's doing well all around like spirits and all, but it's just really upsetting," he said.Last night, he was rooting for his little brother, who thinks the Cahillites could surprise folks in the Catholic League this season."I feel like we're underrated," he said, "and we're coming for the chip this year."