STATE CHAMPS!! Historic Victory For Roman Football Program In 2025 PIAA 5A Finals
Follow us on Twitter! @AOPathletics Instagram: AOPathletics25
BOX SCORE
| 2025 PIAA 5A Championship |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
F |
| Roman |
7 |
14 |
7 |
0 |
28 |
| Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
MECHANICSBURG, PA - Senior Semaj Beals accounted for four touchdowns and Roman registered four takeaways en route to a 28-6 win over Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg on Friday evening in the finals of the 2025 PIAA 5A Football Championship at Chapman Stadium on the campus of Cumberland Valley High School.
The win secuired the program's first state title after dropping a 34-31 overtime decision to Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg in the 2024 PIAA 5A Finals.
With temperatures in the mid-20's at kickoff for the 37th annual PIAA Football Championship, Beals found the endzone on a seven-yard run just 4:27 into the game. He then tossed scoring passes of seven yards to junior Hanif Sheed and 40 yards to wide receiver Ashdan Roberts in the second quarter as Roman (12-3) went to the locker room holding a 21-0 advantage at the half. Beals then connected with senior Eyan Stead for a one-yard touchdown with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter as the Cahillites increased their lead to 28-0.
Beals completed 18-of-26 passes for 231 yards while Stead compiled nine receptions for 102 yards. Roman’s defense was stout from the opening kickoff as it limited Bishop McDevitt (12-3) to just eight first downs and 156 yards of total offense thru the first three quarters of the contest. Junior linebacker Walter Hudson led the way with 11 tackles and an interception, while Chase Hinton notched an interception and seniors Antwan Smith Ray (five tackles) and Julian Enoch each registered fumble recoveries.
Congratulations to head coach Rick Prete and the student-athletes on an unforgettable season!
Inside The Numbers
- Roman outscored its four PIAA playoff opponents 83-0 in the first quarter
- Senior Ashdan Roberts totaled 90 receiving yards on just two catches
- Senior Justus Gaskin collected a team-high seven solo tackles
- Sophomore Trey Montgomery led Roman with 69 rushing yards
- Roman outgained Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg 110-25 in the opening quarter
- Roman outscored its four PIAA playoff opponents 180-53.
Roman's Road To The PIAA Title
First Round: Roman 49, Whitehall 7
Quarterfinals: Roman 55, Hollidaysburg 20
Semifinals: Roman 48, Springfield-Delco 20
Finals: Roman 28, Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg 6
