To the Editor:

If anyone missed the LaSalle versus Bishop Hendricken Super Bowl Championship game, they would have missed the finest game in Bowl Game history.

Two teams expertly coached in all phases of the game and young athletes kept the fans on the edge of their seats as the both schools cheered with much enthusiasm as they witnessed a spectacular game of inches, daring decisions, nip and tuck and kept all in suspense to the very end.

LaSalle going for a first down with 4th and nine to keep the drive alive, to take the lead late in the game, along with many measurements for both teams to determine first downs by inches.

LaSalle, not only scored with a little more than a minute to play and then decided to go for the win with a two point conversion. The quarterback swept to the right and Hendricken had it covered. Had the sophomore quarterback taken one more step in the same direction, the game would have been over and Hendricken would have won by one point. The quick decision and determination to reverse his field and just about made it into the end zone to go ahead by one point (inches).

Think the game was over? Not by long shot. Bishop Hendricken drove the entire length of the field. A great call for a double pass was executed almost to perfection. The receiver was wide open in the end zone. The passer rifled the ball, a defensive back came out of nowhere leaped

like he was flying and his fingers tips managed to tip the ball away. Was Hendricken finished? No, No, No. With about 13 seconds to play they decided to kick a field goal to win the game. As I saw the kicker come on the field, I thought, this is what every Kid dreams of, a chance to win for his team and school in such a dramatic fashion and have a memory of a life time; a story to tell over and over again to his grand children some day.

As he approached the ball I was so focused on him and wondering what was going through his mind. The both teams lined up, eleven LaSalle players on the line in sprinter’s stance waiting to see the slightest movement of the ball. Offensively, nine Hendricken players set to stop the oncoming 11 players to block the field goal attempt. The center had to have the confidence to deliver a fast accurate pass to the holder.

The holder had to catch it and place it perfectly for the kicker. The kicker who was on the bench answered to the call of a lifetime. I watched him approach the ball. I concentrated on his foot swing through the ball. The ball was traveling straight toward the middle of the goal post and came up short. The kicker wanted this so bad for his team, school, fans and memories. His foot hit that ball about one inch to low. One inch from perfection. I had confidence in him and so did his team and coaches. If that same scenario presented itself again I am sure

the decision would be the same and maybe the results would be different. He is to be commended, to walk out on the field and give it his best before thousands of fans. He is outstanding for his effort and courage.

The coaches expressed graciousness and humility and superbly led the two championship teams with class. Coach Croft has set an unbelievable mark in successful championships and put together a great coaching staff and has set an example as a mentor for his players.

Coach Marcone is equally an outstanding coach with a great staff who is respected not only for his coaching but his dedication to his students and players. For those who think it is easy to become a State Champion, think about this. Since 1956 LaSalle has only won three State Championships in Football (61 years), two of those championships have been won by Coach Marcone’s teams.

Ed Fracassa

Warwick