By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor
The George Washington High School football team has made three appearances in the Public League finals during the past four years, taking home the crown in 2004. And with their 21-19 semifinal victory against Overbrook on Saturday at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, the Eagles have done it again.
They’ll play Edward Bok Tech on Saturday for the Public League championship. The game will be played at Northeast’s Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium, starting at 12:30 p.m.
While most were expecting an easy win for Washington in last Saturday’s game, the Panthers came out strong and hard. Overbrook wide receiver John Melvin caught a 54-yard pass, putting the Panthers at Washington’s 16-yard line. Four plays later, quarterback Markeyse Carter tossed a one-yard pass to Saleem Wilson, putting Overbrook on the board, 6-0, with four minutes, 33 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Eagles quickly responded, scoring on their next three possessions — two of them by tailback James Johnson.
"I’m feeling really good," said Johnson, who ran for 207 yards on 21 carries against Overbrook. "Scoring felt great. My line did a good job blocking. I’m proud of them."
A 49-yard touchdown pass put Overbrook back in the game, but the Eagles’ defense was able to hold off the Panthers during the final 18 seconds of play, thus earning Washington High a title shot.
"I was very scared of this football team," Washington coach Ron Cohen said of Overbrook. "They have a good coaching staff and the kids play well together. I have to give Overbrook a lot of credit."
The star on Washington’s side was certainly Johnson. The junior’s two trips to the end zone brought his scoring record for the season to 72 points. He also leads the team in rushing yards with 559.
"The whole team is having a great year," said Johnson. "A lot of schools doubted us because we had thirty-six seniors leave last year. But a lot of people were on this year."
George Washington finished first in the Public League Red Division with a 5-0 record. A 34-6 win against Abraham Lincoln in the quarterfinals was followed by Saturday’s win against Overbrook and a spot in the Public League championship game.
"We can’t sleep on any teams," said Johnson. "We can be beaten by anyone. You can’t say you’re going to come in and definitely win, but I can say we always play our hardest."
In other games:
Edward Bok Tech, 8, Northeast, 0: During the second game of last Saturday’s doubleheader at Northeast High School, Edward Bok Tech defeated the Vikings and will advance to the league championship game for the first time since 1999.
The first half of the game ended with solid defense and no scoring. With just over nine minutes left in the third quarter, Northeast tailback James Rosseau was caught in the end zone by Bok’s Kendal Johnson and Daquon Johnson, resulting in a safety.
The Wildcats put up six more points with less than three minutes left to play. Vikings quarterback Malik Stokes threw a pass that bounced off the hands of his brother, receiver Je’Ron Stokes, and into the arms of Bok’s Kyle Williams, who dashed 85 yards for a touchdown.
Bok plays George Washington High School for the league championship on Saturday at 12:30 at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium.
Roman Catholic, 28, North Catholic, 10: Despite North Catholic’s huge win against Father Judge last week, the Falcons’ season came to an end after the loss to Roman Catholic High School in the first round of the Catholic League playoffs on Saturday.
Falcon running back Terrell Oglesby reached the end zone to put North on the board with an early lead. The senior rushed for 65 yards against the Cahillites, increasing his season total to 1,273.
Roman quickly tied the game with a 55-yard drive in seven plays — including two 20-yard runs by Roman running back Balial Lewis Sloan-El. North came back with a 27-yard field goal by kicker Michael Majzik.
But Roman scored again when wide receiver Nick Moody caught a 73-yard pass from quarterback Chris Johnson, giving the Cahillites a 14-10 lead at the half.
Lewis Sloan-El ran for another touchdown early in the second half, followed by a four-yard run from Moody later in the game that sealed it for Roman, 28-10.
On defense for North, linebacker Chris James had a game-high nine tackles. Other defensive standouts for North were linebackers Anthony Doria, who had five tackles and a sack, and Pete Sellecchia, who had six tackles.
Roman Catholic will face Father Judge in the semifinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium.
SOCCER
Father Judge, 4, Archbishop Carroll, 1: Father Judge forward Wayne Maminski scored within the first 35 seconds of the Crusaders’ semifinal playoff game against Archbishop Carroll on Saturday. Kyle Bobiy assisted the goal and then scored his own six and a half minutes.
Maminski knocked in another goal — his 27th of the season — with 30 seconds left in the first half. Bobiy ended the scoring for Judge with his second goal of the game and 18th of the year.
Father Judge is scheduled to face Archbishop Ryan High School in the Catholic League finals on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Archbishop Ryan. The rain date is Friday at 4:30 p.m. ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com