La Salle's Joey O'Brien: From Recruiting to Championship Glory
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — In a dramatic turn of events, La Salle College High School's star athlete, Joey O'Brien, shifted his focus from college recruitment to the ultimate goal of winning a state championship. This pivotal moment occurred just minutes after O'Brien made national headlines by committing to Notre Dame in June.
O'Brien's determination was evident as he vowed to take responsibility for the team's success. "It will be my fault," he declared, donning his Notre Dame gear. "If we don't win the state championship this year, it means I didn't do my job. I want to leave here as a winner."
On a memorable Saturday night, O'Brien's promise materialized. La Salle secured its first PIAA Class 6A state championship since 2009 with a commanding 34-20 victory over District 7 champion Pittsburgh Central Catholic. O'Brien's exceptional performance included intercepting three passes in the final 3 minutes and 55 seconds, setting up crucial scores. He sealed the deal with a 95-yard pick-six, a touchdown pass, and a remarkable one-handed, 41-yard reception in the first quarter.
O'Brien's dedication to improving his ball skills, especially after dropping picks in previous games, was instrumental in the team's success. He expressed his satisfaction, stating, "This was a team effort, but I'm glad I took the blame for my earlier mistakes."
La Salle's triumph also marked a historic moment for the school. Coach Brett Gordon, part of the only father-son duo to win PIAA state football titles since 1988, celebrated with his father, Drew Gordon, who led La Salle to a championship in 2009 under a different classification system.
The Explorers' season was a testament to their resilience, with a lone setback against Roman Catholic, a formidable Class 5A team. Despite this, La Salle emerged victorious, beating traditional powerhouses like Pittsburgh Central Catholic and St. Joseph's Prep. The championship game, a rematch of the season opener, showcased La Salle's dominance and Central Catholic's resilience.
Sophomore receiver Owen Johnson contributed three touchdowns, but O'Brien's interceptions proved to be the game-changer. La Salle's strategic approach to slowing down Central Catholic's run game and capitalizing on momentum-shifting plays ultimately led to their triumph.
Central Catholic coach Ryan Lehmeier acknowledged O'Brien's exceptional skills, stating, "Joey O'Brien's success is no accident. His ball-handling abilities and agility make him a force to be reckoned with."
In summary, Joey O'Brien's journey from college recruitment to championship glory exemplifies the power of dedication and teamwork, leaving a lasting impact on La Salle's football history.
