The McQuaid Jesuit football team’s season has come to a conclusion after they suffered a tough loss in the Section V championship game against rival Aquinas on Nov. 3. Even with the unfortunate final outcome, the team had an accomplished and successful season.

“This season was incredibly successful. We finished 8-2 and were the RCAC (Rochester City Catholic League) champions. We also had a bunch of guys on the postseason all-star team,” said assistant coach Dan Bates, brother of head coach Bobby Bates.

The group of postseason all-stars was headlined by senior quarterback Hunter Walsh, ‘19. Walsh was the Section V class AA Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the RCAC Player of the Year. Walsh threw for 2,352 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 67 percent of his passes. He was a three-year varsity starter at quarterback during his accomplished McQuaid career and will certainly be missed.

“Hunter graduating will be a big loss for us,” said wide receiver Casey Howlett, ‘20. “The seniors were very special this year; they were great. They taught us younger players a lot.”

McQuaid has not won a sectional title in football since 1978. This season’s team was certainly one of the best McQuaid has had in the last 40 years. The team had 23 seniors who will be graduating in the spring. The football senior class was filled with a handful of three-year varsity players. The seniors led the team on all sides of the ball, from Walsh at quarterback all the way to Jared Campbell, ‘19 at punter.

With this year’s superb senior class graduating, the football team will have some big holes to fill for next season. However, the seniors left a good impression on the players and coaches through their leadership, high standards, and demand for excellence. The seniors set up next year’s team in a favorable position.

“A lot of underclassmen got a lot of valuable playing time and experience during the season. Our team next year will have experience and great leadership,” said coach Dan Bates.

“We have built a culture over the past few seasons for this program that will last for years to come,” said senior lineman James Schnell. “I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and the entire McQuaid community for all of the support they have put behind our football program. Go Knights!”

Next season the Knights will continue the quest of trying to bring a Section V Football Championship back to McQuaid. Junior player Sean Richards likes McQuaid’s chances.

“Our team learned and grew a lot this year. We’ll be back,” he said.