ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The teams traveled by bus and watched the University of Michigan and Hawaii game on Saturday. This was the first game ever at Michigan Stadium between two out-state high schools. The real eye-opener was that the two out-of-state high school teams played their Friday evening game at the University of Michigan Stadium.
Paramus Catholic (N.J.) defeated Baltimore (Maryland) St. Francis Academy, 38-20. The game was televised nationally on ESPNU.
Michigan’s football team is heavily recruiting two Paramus Catholic players, linebacker Drew Singleton and defensive lineman Corey Bolds. Singleton was all over the field recording 11 tackles. Paramus Catholic quarterback Andrew Brito threw two second half touchdowns to cement the win. He also ran for three scores.
St. Francis Academy led at halftime, 14-13. Paramus Catholic made a slow comeback and ate up the second-half clock. For the winners Alijah Jackson and Jon Clark each rushed for over 100-yards.
On the sidelines Bolds said that it was great having the Michigan (from N.J.) players come down and talk to us after the game.
About playing at Michigan Stadium, Singleton said, “It was everything. It was like heaven. The lights, the seats, everything, the colors. Can’t do anything but love it.” Regarding the bus ride from New Jersey he said, “I love these guys (teammates). We’ll cheer on Michigan tomorrow like they cheered on us.”
Steve Kanoc, Paramus Catholics’ new head football coach said, “I’ve been here six times now,” he said of Ann Arbor and Michigan. “It’s a great place to be. Our kids fit in so well from the way we run our system into how they run things here. There’s a natural comfort level because things are so similar. The parents feel it, too, when they get to experience it. For our guys who have the opportunity to be here, it’s truly a natural fit and has been.”
It was a home game for Paramus and it was reported they rented the stadium for $3,300 and charged $5 for tickets. The crowd was sparse.