The streak is over as St. Pius X remained undefeated in 2020 posting an impressive 26-14 win over perennial power Maryville on Friday night at St. Pius X High School.
"We just broke a 19-year streak of losses to Maryville so that's pretty big, especially on this field," Warriors first-year head coach Anthony Simone said. "The team is starting to come together and played really well tonight. These guys have worked so hard from last winter to this point. I'm super proud of this team and this coaching staff."
The Warriors stuck first following a blocked punt by Shane Dorian. After converting a 4th-and-10, Jack Mosh connected with David Deters, providing a preview of what was to come, for 24 yards to take a 7-0 lead with 7:45 left in the first.
Maryville erased the deficit quickly on a touchdown run by Connor Weiss from 14 yards out less than four minutes later. A 37-yard field goal by junior Joseph Wilson put Pius back on top, 10-7, with 10:30 to go in the half.
The Warriors defense came up with a big stop on 4th-and-goal at their own 1-yard line to stay ahead by three.
Pius (4-0) carried that momentum to the offensive side of the ball with a 98-yard drive to make it a two-score game. With 11 seconds left on the clock, Mosh found Deters once again to give the Warriors a 17-7 halftime lead.
After stopping Pius on downs on the opening possession of the second half, Maryville closed the gap again, thanks to the powerful running of Weiss. With just under seven minutes left in the third, Weiss busted free for 75 yards to the Pius 4 and two plays later the senior running back punched it in to make it 17-14.
Wilson drilled his second FG (22 yards) of the night to give the Warriors a 20-14 lead after three quarters.
The appropriate finish for Pius on this night came when Deters caught his third touchdown of the night from Mosh for 28 yards with less than four minutes left in the game.
Mosh ended the night with 299 yards passing, 193 of which were hauled in with Deters, as the duo combined for three touchdowns through the air.
"No. 14 (Deters) can play just about anywhere he wants to," Simone said. "He's an unbelievable football player and a great young man. Jack Mosh is a gamer and they are starting to develop a great rapport. They are two of the best players in the city in my eyes."
Pius takes on Chillicothe at home next Friday as they try to improve to 5-0.
"Confidence is definitely sky high with these guys, but they know it's back to work on Monday," Simone said. "Honestly, this has been the perfect scenario with the perfect school at the perfect time. We have a great group of coaches, a great administration and the kids are just phenomenal."
Maryville (2-2) will look to regroup at Cameron next week.
