Jamarion Parker (number 3,shown here in state semifinal action recently against Cape Central) helped ‘carry’ the Lions to that 14-0 perfect mark by rushing for 1,644 yards and 26 touchdowns on the season. (Photo by Leon Algee.)
Upon disposing of the visiting Cape Central Tigers 52-22 in the Missouri Class 5 state semifinals two weeks ago, Cardinal Ritter Lions football coach Brennan Spain conceded there was still unfinished business.
“The goal isn’t just to get there,” said Spain, referring to reaching the state championship game. “You want to win it. We’re in it to win it. We’ve still got work to do.”
Not anymore. The Lions scored on a 49-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Antwon McKay to junior receiver D.J. Miller early in the first quarter on the way to a 38-25 triumph over Republic to claim the Class 5 state title, just one year after capturing the Class 3 state title. Thus Ritter becomes the first school in the state’s history to win a state title in two classifications higher than it did the previous season. McKay passed for two touchdowns and junior Jamarion Parker rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns to key the win for Cardinal Ritter, which completed its second straight 14-0 campaign.
In going undefeated this time around, the Lions had several players who had outstanding individual seasons as well: The two quarterback system of McKay and junior Carson Boyd produced phenomenal results. Boyd completed 128 passes of 161 attempted for 2,224 yards with 29 touchdowns and just one interception for a 176.768 passer rating, while McKay connected on 81 of 115 for 1,792 yards with 22 touchdowns and two picks for a 173.951 rating. Meanwhile Parker rushed for 1,644 yards and scored 26 touchdowns and Miller snared 66 passes for 1,361 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Interestingly enough, one of Ritter’s offensive assistant coaches is Robert Boyd, who moved in from the stands as a parent last year, when since-graduated son Ryan Boyd (now at Missouri State University in Springfield) was also on the team and a star in his own right. Ryan Boyd caught 53 passes for 1,036 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“It’s a blessing,” said the father Robert Boyd, who played at East St. Louis Senior High and Illinois State. “My boys didn’t want me to coach last year. They just wanted me to watch and enjoy them. This year I’m just seeing the game through a different lens.”
Defensively, a well-balanced wall of defenders were led by safety/rover back Dominique Dixon with 66 tackles, lineman Bryce Gray with 55 tackles and nine sacks , linebacker Joseph Reed with 43 stops and lineman Cam Clayborn with 11 sacks. Clearly, the Lions are immensely talented on both sides of the ball, but Spain has reiterated that mere talent has to be refined and executed.
“I believe we as coaches just don’t get enough credit,” he said. “We work hard as coaches. We work our butts off. It’s hard work. People assume because we have a lot of talent they just have to show up. They don’t realize how hard the players work. They don’t give us enough credit as coaches.”
Cape Central coach Kent Gibbs did acknowledge both aspects after his club lost to Ritter in the state semifinals, though.
“They have a very talented team,” he said. “They’re very well-coached. They’re athletic. They do a great job of pitch-and-catch (in the passing game).”
Speaking of that prolific passing attack, the Lions two standout receivers to graduation in Ryan Boyd and University of Michigan freshman, Frederick Moore, who hauled in 67 passes for 1,504 yards and 24 touchdowns. Enter Miller, an East St. Louis transfer to help take up some of the slack. Sophomore sensation Deshaun “Machine” Stevenson has also been a key contributor with 37 receptions for nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, including a truly spectacular, one-handed, diving catch-and roll for a touchdown in the state semifinal win.
As if back-to-back state titles aren’t impressive enough, the cupboard won’t be bare for the Lions next year, either.
Featured image: The Cardinal Ritter Lions football team hoist the Missouri Class 5 state title, after its 38-25 conquest of Republic in Columbia last week. Photo courtesy of the Missouri State Activities Association.
