19 October, 2025
st-edward-dominates-bishop-mcnamara-prepares-for-rivalry-showdown

St. Edward High School showcased impressive offensive skill on September 27, 2025, defeating Maryland’s Bishop McNamara with a commanding score of 57-19. Coming off a disappointing loss to Massillon the previous week, the Eagles needed a strong performance as they set their sights on an upcoming rivalry game against St. Ignatius.

The Eagles, currently ranked third in the cleveland.com high school football Top 25, executed a near-perfect game with no punts, no turnovers, and just one penalty. Coach Tom Lombardo praised his team’s resilience, stating, “What a difference a week makes.” He emphasized the importance of mental preparation in facing challenges.

St. Edward’s offense was nothing short of spectacular, amassing a total of 407 yards. They set the tone early, establishing a running clock against the Mustangs, who now hold a record of 2-3. Senior running back Brandon White was a standout performer, rushing for 124 yards, much of which came during a dominant first half. His impressive runs included two touchdowns that energized the crowd at First Federal Lakewood Stadium.

“I feel good,” White remarked after the game. “We practice a lot how to get the hand down and stay up, and then make people miss.” His efforts, coupled with a strong performance from senior quarterback Jonny Evanchick, helped the Eagles establish an early lead. Evanchick completed 8 of 12 passes for 114 yards and threw three touchdown passes, including a remarkable 50-yard connection to Zach Hackleman just before the end of the first quarter.

Teamwork Fuels St. Edward’s Victory

The Eagles did not relent as the game progressed. Evanchick opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyrese Buchanan on the game’s first drive. Hackleman, who had an exceptional game, scored three touchdowns, tying his school record for receiving touchdowns in a single game. He expressed confidence in the team’s performance following last week’s loss, stating, “We knew what we had to do and executed.”

Bishop McNamara’s quarterback, K.J. Underwood, threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, attempting to rally his team. However, the Eagles’ defense effectively stifled their efforts, allowing the Mustangs to score only sporadically. Underwood utilized a misdirection running game to find openings, but it rarely yielded significant results against a resolute St. Edward defense.

Even when Bishop McNamara managed to close the gap, St. Edward responded with a spectacular 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Broden Moore. This play not only showcased Moore’s speed but also reaffirmed the Eagles’ dominance as they restored the running clock.

As the game concluded, Coach Lombardo noted the importance of the team’s bounce-back performance. He highlighted the lessons learned from the previous week and the need to be prepared for tough competition. With the upcoming rivalry game against St. Ignatius set for Friday night, St. Edward appears to have regained its momentum, ready to face the challenge head-on.

The Eagles now hold a record of 5-1 and will aim to continue their winning ways as they prepare for the storied rivalry against St. Ignatius, who currently stands at 1-5. The energy and determination displayed in this game signal a promising outlook for St. Edward as they enter a crucial phase of their season.