JDCHS football team has 11-1 season

Bob McLellan ShootingStar Photography

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The Juan Diego Catholic High School football team took a perfect regular season and regional championship into the state finals, but lost in overtime during the semi-final game. Courtesy photo/Bob McLellan ShootingStar Photography

OGDEN/DRAPER — The Juan Diego Catholic High School football team went undefeated with an 11-0 record in the regular 3AA season to become the Region 10 champions for the 11th straight year. They continued that winning streak into the semi-final game of the state championship tournament, where they met the Pine View Panthers at Rice Eccles Stadium Nov. 14.

They jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter of the semi-final game, but lost 48-42 in overtime.

"The game was a great high school football game," said John Colosimo, JDCHS head football coach. "Both teams were battling and neither team wanted to lose. Players on both teams made big plays; they just made one more than we did and they won the game."

Colosimo is proud of his team, he said. "They gave it their all and poured their hearts and souls into wanting to win that game; it just wasn’t meant to be. I was proud of them playing as hard as they possibly could to try to win that ball game."

Colosimo told his players that only one team was going to win the championship and it was more important to place emphasis on the success they had throughout the season, rising to challenges and obstacles and improving as a football team.

"I think we accomplished all those things," Colosimo said. "Even though we are disappointed about the loss, I’m as proud of this team as any team I’ve ever had for their work ethic, determination, willingness to go the extra mile, and I think they made JDCHS very proud yesterday."

The Soaring Eagle football squad has won state championship titles in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Juan Diego had the most 50-point games in 3AA, and won by double figures in the quarter finals for the ninth consecutive game.