St. Paul’s (N.H.) to a John Papas Bowl win
Nov 16, 2024
By Graham Dietz Boston Globe Correspondent,Craig Vandersea was not oblivious. He knew Bo MacCormack was going to show up.“When you’re playing against the best back in the Northeast — and he’s unbelievable — you know you have to slow him down,” said Vandersea, coach of St. Paul’s School (N.H.). “We weren’t gonna stop him.”Vandersea was right. Maccormack finished Saturday’s game with 26 carries for 180 yards and two scores. Playing on his future home field at Alumni Stadium, the Boston College-bound tailback ran wild in the second half, allowing Buckingham Browne & Nichols to recover from a 9-point halftime deficit to take a 20-16 lead with 4:44 left to play.But the Big Red’s backfield, led by senior captain Michael Seward, showed just as much resilience.Seward compiled 179 yards on the ground and scored all three of St. Paul’s touchdowns, including the winner with one minute remaining, to secure a 23-20 victory over BB&N in the 2024 NEPSAC John Papas Bowl. It was the second time in three years St. Paul (9-0) got the best of the Knights in a bowl game.Seward experienced that 2022 win in limited fashion as a little-used sophomore. Now, he will relish the taste of victory after devouring BB&N’s defense.“I knew from the beginning of the year, our senior class was strong enough,” said Seward. “I knew we could get it done, and I felt like our offensive line was just more gritty. They wanted it more. I’ve never seen them get after it like they did today.”BB&N had a chance to at least tie the game in the final minute, but Lee Brady hauled in an over-the-shoulder interception in double-coverage, his second of the day off BB&N’s Damon Taylor.Taylor’s first pick came on BB&N’s third possession and resulted in a 13-play drive for the Big Red, which Seward capped with a 13-yard field goal to make it 16-7 before halftime. 6-foot-8-inch St. Paul’s safety Landon Clark caught the interception.Despite the loss, MacCormack got his first taste of what it will be like to play on the Alumni Stadium turf. While there will be many more performances for the senior on BC’s lower campus, the sting of a loss in his final game in a Knights’ uniform hurts.“I like winning,” Maccormack said. “It doesn’t really matter what field it was.”
St Paul's Undefeated Season; Wins the Papas Bowl 23-20
Nov 16, 2024
Photo Credit Michael SeamansJohn Papas Bowl GameThe John Papas Bowl, a prestigious event in New England prep school football, is set to feature a compelling matchup today, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM. The undefeated Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (BB&N) Knights from Cambridge, Massachusetts, will face the St. Paul's School Big Red from Concord, New Hampshire, at Boston College's Alumni Stadium.The John Papas Bowl: Honoring a LegacyNamed after the esteemed coach John Papas, who significantly contributed to New England high school football, the John Papas Bowl celebrates excellence and sportsmanship. This annual event brings together top-tier teams, showcasing the region's football talent and honoring Coach Papas's enduring legacy.St. Paul's Big Red: A Tradition of ExcellenceSt. Paul's School boasts a rich football heritage, with multiple NEPSAC bowl championships, including the John Papas Bowl in 2022. The Big Red have demonstrated resilience and skill this season, earning their spot in today's bowl game through strategic play and determination.Key Players to WatchSt. Paul's offensive lineup features standout players such as senior wide receiver Teigan Pelletier and Landon Clark who have been instrumental in the team's aerial attack, and senior running back Michael Seward Jr., known for his powerful rushing performances. QB Weber Marx has put up impressive numbers behind one of the best OLines in New England Coach's PerspectiveHead Coach Craig Vandersea expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, "Our players have shown tremendous dedication and growth throughout the season. Facing a formidable opponent like BB&N is a challenge we're ready to embrace."SPS Wins Papas Bowl 23-20 over BBN On Saturday, November 16, 2024, St. Paul's School from Concord, New Hampshire, edged out Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) in a thrilling football game at Boston College's Alumni Stadium. The game, part of the John Papas Bowl, ended with a tight score of 23-20 in favor of St. Paul's.This NEPSAC playoff matchup featured two powerhouse teams. BB&N entered the game as the 2024 Independent School League (ISL) Champions with an undefeated regular season. Likewise, St. Paul's boasted an unblemished record, having claimed the Evergreen League title earlier in the season.The game was a battle of determination and skill, with both teams delivering standout performances. St. Paul's ultimately secured the win with a late-game field goal, cementing their dominance in New England preparatory school football for the 2024 season.SPS scored with 1:00 to go in the game to take the lead 23-20. SPS intercepted a ball on the next BBN possession and then got a got a huge first down to be able to kneel out the clock and seal the victory.The victory highlights the depth and resilience of St. Paul's football program, while BB&N's valiant effort reinforced their standing as one of the region's top teams. The atmosphere at Boston College's Alumni Stadium added an extra layer of excitement, making this championship game a memorable event for players, coaches, and fans alike.
