When all was said and done, John DiBiaso and the Catholic Memorial High School football team were No. 1 in 2021.
Coach DiBiaso’s Knights finished off a perfect season with a 42-18 victory over King Phillip Regional in the Division 2 Super Bowl Dec. 2 at Gillette Stadium. Catholic Memorial held the state’s No. 1 ranking all season and its performance against a very good King Phillip contingent showcased the Knights’ excellence in all phases of the game.
It was Catholic Memorial’s first state title in football since 1978 when such superstars as King Gaskins, Joe O’Brien, Michael Vicens, and Ronnie Perry Jr. helped make CM a powerhouse in all sports throughout the 1970s.
Many observers felt the key play in the Super Bowl occurred when DiBiaso and staff called for a double pass on the first play following a King Phillip touchdown that had closed the gap to 21-10. Quarterback JC Petrongolo, running back Drew Delucia, and wide receiver Jaedn Skeete executed the play to perfection for a 66-yard touchdown.
For John DiBiaso, it was his 13th Super Bowl title in an illustrious career that has had successful stints at St. Patrick’s of Watertown, Weston, and ultimately in his hometown of Everett where he re-established the Crimson Tide as the preeminent high school football program in Massachusetts.
“I’m just excited for the players, the coaches, the parents and everyone at the school who got to experience the thrill of winning a state championship,” said DiBiaso humbly.
DiBiaso said he still follows the Crimson Tide football program that is under the direction of head coach Rob DiLoreto.
“I still root for Everett every game,” said DiBiaso. “I’m very happy for Everett. Coach DiLoreto has done a great job. They had a wonderful season.”