Resolution 251104

..Title Honoring La Salle College High School on Winning the 2025 PIAA Class 6A State Football Championship. ..Body WHEREAS, La Salle College High School ("La Salle") has a proud tradition of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and character development, and continues to exemplify leadership on and off the field; and WHEREAS, On December 6, 2025, the La Salle College Explorers defeated the Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings by a score of 34-20 at Chapman Field to win the 2025 PIAA Class 6A State Championship, securing the second state title in the program's history; and WHEREAS, La Salle completed an extraordinary 13-1 season, demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and resilience throughout District 12 play, the Philadelphia Catholic League, and the state playoffs; and WHEREAS, The championship game showcased a historic, standout performance by senior athlete Joey O'Brien, who recorded three interceptions in the fourth quarter, returning one for a 95-yard touchdown to seal the victory, while also catching 10 passes for 98 yards, and even throwing a touchdown pass during the game; and WHEREAS, Running back Ahzir Nelson delivered a powerful offensive performance, rushing for 127 yards and scoring a key fourth-quarter touchdown following O'Brien's first interception, helping to put the game out of reach; and WHEREAS, Sophomore receiver Owen Johnson scored three receiving touchdowns, including two from quarterback Gavin Sidwar and one thrown by O'Brien, providing essential offensive momentum and contributing to La Salle's halftime lead of 14-7; and WHEREAS, La Salle dominated the tempo of the championship, opening the second half with a remarkable 17-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 12 minutes of game time and extended the team's lead to two possessions; and WHEREAS, The Explorers' defense forced three critical fourth-quarter turnovers, all by O'Brien, shutting down Central Catholic's comeback hopes and demonstrating extraordinary athleticism, preparation, and execution; and WHEREAS, The entire roster-including standout seniors Grayson McKeogh (OT, Notre Dame signee), Gavin Sidwar (QB, Missouri signee), JP Oates (TE, Virginia Tech signee), and others-contributed to a championship season that reflects the strength of La Salle's football program and developmental approach; and WHEREAS, The 2025 state title represents a milestone for La Salle College High School, its students, coaches, alumni community, and supportive families, bringing pride to Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates La Salle College High School on winning the 2025 PIAA Class 6A State Football Championship, and celebrates the student-athletes, coaches, staff, families, and supporters who contributed to this historic victory. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to La Salle College High School as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End