The 52-0 State Final
The most lopsided PIAA state championship game in Philadelphia scholastic football history came on December 16, 2011, at Hersheypark Stadium, when Steve Devlin's Archbishop Wood Vikings beat Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt 52-0 to win the PIAA Class AAA state championship. It was Devlin's first state title. It was also the week after his Vikings had beaten Allentown Central Catholic 70-14 in the state semifinal. Two weeks. A 56-point semifinal win followed by a 52-point title-game shutout.
The heroes were first-cousin running backs Desmon Peoples (a transfer from St. Joseph's Prep the summer of 2010) and Brandon Peoples (a transfer from Abington around the same time), who combined for 323 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the final. Desmon — a tailback bound for Rutgers — carried 18 times for 151 yards and two scores, plus added two interceptions from his defensive back position. Brandon — a fullback bound for Temple — carried 16 times for 172 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikings finished 14-1, with the only loss a season-opening defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
I'm glad I accomplished this with Brandon. This is one moment we will always remember for the rest of our lives.
To get to play with my cousin for two years and win a championship like this, there's nothing more I could ask for.
