Phoenix ground Reds
Quinton Duemo is obviously a quick learner.
The 16-year-old Grade 11 student is in his first season with the St. Francis Phoenix senior boys football team, but you would never know it by his play.
Duemo was all over the field on offence, defence and special teams as the Phoenix defeated the Denis Morris Reds 16-3 in a Niagara Catholic Athletic Association senior football game Friday at Denis Morris.
The win improves St. Francis’ record to 2-3 heading into their final regular season game Thursday against the Saint Michael Mustangs.
The Reds wrapped up their regular season with a 2-4 mark and will likely fail to qualify for the playoffs.
Duemo reeled in three passes, including one of 55 yards for a touchdown early in the second half, to help jump-start the offence.
The Phoenix followed that up with another big play when quarterback Ethan Reid hooked up with John Serrano on a 50-yard bomb for back-to-back touchdowns.
“That energy gave our team life again. In the first half, we were kind of low coming out of halftime but those two plays really boosted our energy and got things going,” Duemo said. “There were a lot of penalties and it was tough to move the ball and then we got on a roll and kept things going.”
Phoenix coach Jim Whittard agreed the two plays defined the game.
“It was a tough football game,” he said. “Both sides were battling and it took a couple of big plays to break it open.
“Those were the TSN turning points.”
Duemo also had his share of time running the ball, ripping off a huge gain in the first half, as well as on specialty teams as a kick returner and as a cornerback on defence.
“It’s great, especially being my first year of being a football player,” Duemo said of his role. “I feel like I have a lot of responsibility on this team to fill.
“It’s all for the team.”
Duemo’s success comes as no surprise to Whittard.
“He’s a great athlete. He plays basketball and was an OFSAA (Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Associatipm) gold medalist in the midget high jump,” Whittard said. “I coached him as a novice hockey player with his dad (Dan) when he was seven, so I knew him very well.
“He’s that kind of kid.”
Duemo said his older brother, Connor, paved the way for his success.
“My brother played and also went to St. Francis, and I really loved the sport and wanted to try something new,” he said.
The Phoenix now control their own destiny. A win next week over the Mustangs and they will head to the post season.
“It was huge,” Duemo said of the win. “We had lot a couple in a row, but this game meant a lot to us going into our under-the-lights game.”
Whittard is encouraged by the progress his team has displayed.
“We’ve had some highs — the season started off real well — and then we went into three very tough games against BT (Blessed Trinity), St. Paul and Notre Dame,” he said. “At the same time, I think we showed the league we’re here for a reason. I look at the BT, and St. Paul game especially, where our kids showed everybody what we’re made of.
“I’m very proud of them. We have a great group of kids, very talented kids. It’s been a great year and they are helping us out in every way.”
Reds coach Antony Volante lamented his team’s lack of offence.
“We tried to throw everything we had and they were ready for it. Kudos to them, they played a great defensive game,” he said.
Phoenix 16 Reds 3
Johnny Rocco’s/Mick and Angelo’s Star of the Game: St. Francis’ Quinton Duemo with three catches, including one for a touchdown.
For the St. Francis Phoenix: Duemo, John Serrano touchdowns; Tinashe Dendato, Mitchell Demers, Sacade Kasamba interceptions; Lucas Baiocco two coverts; two points also scored on a conceded safety.
For the Denis Morris Reds: Jacob Barnowski 20-yard field goal.
Through the air: St. Francis quarterback Ethan Reid 9-18, 2 TDs, 1 interception; Denis Morris quarterback Josh Barber 5-20, 3 interceptions.
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