Roman Edged In Overtime Of 2024 PIAA 5A Football Championship Finals
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MECHANICSBURG, PA - Roman scored 28 points in the second half and rallied from a 21-3 deficit but fell to Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg in a thrilling overtime contest, 34-31, in the finals of the 2024 PIAA 5A Football Championship on Friday night at chilly Chapman Stadium on the campus of Cumberland Valley High School.
Making its first appearance in the state finals in program history, Roman (11-5) trailed 21-3 with 10:19 left in the third quarter before a furious comeback pushed the Cahillites ahead 31-28 with 5:44 remaining in the game. The key plays for Roman included a 52-yard touchdown reception by CJ Miller from senior punter Rayshawn Scott, a 31-yard scoring pass to Scott from junior quarterback Semaj Beals, and a sensational 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior Louis Gaddy.
However, Bishop McDevitt knotted the score at 31-31 on a 20-yard field goal with 2:55 left in regulation before a 22-yard field goal in overtime just cleared the crossbar for the program’s third PIAA title and second in three seasons. BMD senior quarterback Stone Saunders passed for 287 yards and a pair of scores and ends his career as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in state history with over 200 career touchdown passes.
Roman sophomore JoJo Delecce amassed 100 rushing yards on 20 carries and collected a team-high 12 tackles, while Scott hauled in six receptions for 74 yards. Beals compiled 139 passing yards and 51 yards on the ground, and senior linebacker Will Felder added 10 tackles on the evening.
Congratulations to head coach Rick Prete and the student-athletes on a record-setting 2024 campagin!
Roman’s Path To The State Finals
District XII Championship
Roman 42, Frankford 14
5A First Round
Roman 41, East Stroudsburg South 13
5A Quarterfinals
Roman 48, Hollidaysburg 14
5A Semifinals
Roman 41, West Chester Rustin 17
5A Finals
Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg 34, Roman 31 (OT)
