The Crusader
October Edition '22
LIFE AT JUDGE
BLOOD DRIVE
Earlier this month, Father Judge, sponsored by the student council members, hosted a school-wide blood drive on behalf of the American Red Cross in order to combat donated blood shortages nationwide. Compensated for their kindness, students received gift cards for their participation. Our school community's generous blood donations enable patients to acquire the vital blood they require right away. Working together to help others also fosters goodwill and strengthens teamwork—students who donated their blood for a worthy cause displayed leadership. As Salesian gentlemen at Father Judge, we harp on qualities of leadership, generosity, and virtues of understanding and gentleness, a reflection of the student’s actions.
Peter Gerace
SPIRIT WEEK '22
The last week of October was Spirit Week at Father Judge and lots of cool stuff happened! Some events that occurred throughout this week included raising money for various fundraisers, showing school spirit by dressing in different themes, and participating in different activities during lunch. On Monday, Judge wore pink to show support and raise money for Breast Cancer Research.
Tuesday, students participated in ‘Merica Day, where we dressed in camouflage and red, white, and blue, supporting the Wounded Warriors Project. Wednesday was the infamous Halloween Costume contest, where students and teachers wore their best costumes and paid to support the Coalition Against Hunger. Thursday was Crusader Pride Day and student appreciation day, so it was only right to rep the Judge colors. Friday allowed students to show support of their favorite Philly sports team, but it being the first game of the World Series, most students were going to opt for their red and white Phillies gear. Each of these themed days had a corresponding lunchtime activity. On Monday students were able to head to the Fox Gym for a trick shot competition and free play. Some of the teachers even joined in on the fun. Tuesday, Sgt. Disney brought a Marines obstacle course and tested the Judge students' athleticism. Some students chose to compete against each other for a chance to win Marines merchandise.
On Thursday, students took their shot at guessing how many items were in a jar for a chance to win a Wawa gift card, which really put their probability and statistic skills to the test. I had a chance to speak with Sgt. Disney about the Marines, and this is what he had to say!
M: Is this an obstacle course?
Sgt: It was going to be one but it's an exercise competition right now. Here are some of the things you will do: 20 pull-ups, 1 lap sprinting down and back, 50 push-ups, 20 burpees, and 10 air squats.
M: Is the military worth it?
Sgt: Hell yeah! I never thought I would join the Marines, but it was worth it because I can experience the discipline and benefits that the military provides, along with what civilians experience on a day-to-day all at once.
M: Would you recommend the Navy or the Marines?
Sgt: I would recommend the marines because it is air, land, and sea so you get everything, people think the Navy deals with more air, but it's actually the Marines, the Marines are air, land, AND sea.
M: If you could pick another branch what would it be?
Sgt: I would pick the Navy, but I love where I am and wouldn't change it.
Mick Murray
TRANSITIONS TO JUDGE
Vero Bentivoglio interviews five freshman about their transition from grade school to Father Judge. Here is what they had to say!
Dean K.
V: How do you like Father Judge?
D: Enjoyable school with good company
V: How has your adjustment been from grade school to Father Judge? Are they the same? Different?
D: Not too much difference, it is a lot more walking
V: Have you joined student life at Father Judge? If so, how is it?
D: I play for the hockey team, it is an enjoyable experience.
Winner L.
V: How do you like Father Judge?
W: Its good and going smoothly
V: How has your adjustment been from grade school to Father Judge? Are they the same?
W: Yes it is very different
V: Have you joined student life at Father Judge?
W: I play for Father Judge basketball
Christopher D.
V: How do you like father judge?
C: I like it so far.
V: How has your adjustment been from grade school to Father Judge? Are they the same? Different?
C: It feels different but good.
V: Have you joined student life at Father Judge?
C: I participate in the Father Judge soccer team and I am a part of the Campus Ministry team.
Nicholas H.
V: How do you like father judge?
N: Its nice, I hope to play football soon
V: How has your adjustment been from grade school to Father Judge? Are they the same? Different?
N: Yes it is way more strict
V: Have you joined student life at Father Judge? If so, how is it?
N: I want to play football, but I am just trying to keep my grades up with tutoring right now.
Liam G.
V: How do you like father judge?
L: It's pretty mid. Lowkey hard.
V: How has your adjustment been from grade school to Father Judge? Are they the same? Different? Explain.
L: Grade school was a lot easier for me. High school has definitely been harder for classes and homework.
V: Have you joined student life at Father Judge? If so, how is it?
L: I joined the crew team. I enjoy it. It’s hard work.
Vero Bentivoglio
IMPORTANT DATES IN NOVEMBER
Provided by Frank Do
Tues 11/1 - School Closed
Mon 11/7 - Salesian Assembly
Tues 11/8 - Sophomore Retreat & Election Day
Wed 11/9 - FJ Memorial Mass
Fri 11/11 - End of Q1 & Veterans Day Assembly
Fri 11/11 through Sun 11/13 - FJ Theater Fall Production
Mon 11/14 - Freshman Student Council Elections
Wed 11/16 - Junior Ring Assembly
Sat 11/19 - FJPA Father-Son Bowling Night
Wed 11/23 - School-wide mass
Thurs 11/24 - Thanksgiving Day
Fri 11/25 - School Closed
Sat 11/26 - Class of 2002 20th Reunion
Sun 11/27 - 1st Sunday of Advent
SPORTS
PHI*ADE*PHIA
What a time to be alive as a Philadelphia sports fan. The Phillies are 3 wins away from going to the World Series, the Eagles are the only current undefeated team in the NFL being 6-0, the Sixers just played their first game of the 2022-23 NBA Season and the Flyers are a surprising 3-1 to start the year.
The Eagles are the real deal. After “experts'” claimed the birds would suffer losses to the Jaguars, Cardinals and Cowboys, the Eagles now sit at a comfortable 6-0 going into their bye week. Leading the charge is breakout quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has thrown for 1,514 yards, 6 passing touchdowns, and is throwing a 66.8% completion percentage. Miles Sanders is playing his best football since his sophomore campaign in 2020. He already has (insert stats here) Assisting Hurts in his efforts are wide receivers AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Quez Watkins and Dallas Goedert. The three main wideouts are labeled “The Batmen” all with a specific nickname. Quez is fast batman, Devonta is skinny batman, AJ is strong batman, and even Center and Eagles veteran Jason Kelce is joining the fun as self proclaimed “fat batman”. The eagles defense is a nightmare for opposing offenses. Some teams have been able to get the best of them but many have failed. Veterans Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham have been in full throttle and are making rookie Jordan Davis look better every game. Their most impressive performance was against former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and the Washington Commanders, where they put up 9 sacks. The secondary is a lockdown group with Darius Slay leading the charge and new additions like former Giants corner James Bradberry and Chauncy Gardner-Johnson. These three have been making quarterbacks around the league fear throwing the ball. The team gives off very similar vibes as the 2017 Super Bowl champion team, but it is still way too early to tell. It will be a hopefully exciting rest of the season.
The Phils are headed to the NLCS to battle the San Diego Padres in a tough matchup on the west coast. After a 2-1 series win vs the St. Louis Cardinals and taking down the defending champs the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are on a hunt for gold now that they started their 7 game series on the 18th of October. The Phillies are currently tied 1-1 in the series after a 8-5 loss in San Diego on the 19th. The Phils will travel back home for games 3 through 5 starting the 21st. Business owners of Northeast Philadelphia located on Frankford and Cottman were issued a statement by the city of Philadelphia already warning those of celebrations occurring if the Phillies go to the World Series. These events have happened a few times before such as after the 2017 Super Bowl where Frankford avenue literally looked like a scene from the Purge. If they make it past this round, they will battle either the New York Yankees or the Houston Astros. Both teams in their last few years have had pretty remarkable post season success. If they play New York they will have to deal with a very good Aaron Judge coming off a 62-home run season. If they play the Astros, well they better hope they get rid of the trash cans at Citizens Bank Park.
The Sixers are coming off yet another divisional-round loss to the Miami Heat. Their season started Tuesday, October 18th as they opened up against division rival Boston Celtics and lost 117-126. The team looked a lot different than they did last year, adding P.J. Tucker, DeAnthony Melton, Montrez Harrell, and Danuell House. The starting 5 are James Harden, P.J. Tucker, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Embiid was claimed to have an “off game” when he dropped 26 points and 15 rebounds. A little under average but for the first game of the season did not seem too far off. Other noticeable performances include James Harden, dropping 35 points and 8 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey with 18 points on the night. Their performance just wasn’t good enough vs the Finals runner-ups where Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum put up 35 a piece with help from Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart both putting up 16 and 14 respectively. Only time will tell where the Sixers end up going this year. After all, it was only the first game.
How could I forget about the Flyers? After a controversial offseason with the addition of coach John Tortorella, the Flyers are off to a hot start at 3-1. Returning players consist of center Kevin Hayes, goalie Carter Hart, and wing Travis Konecny, and currently out with a herniated disk Sean Couturier. Through 4 games this team has already shocked a plethora of hockey fans. We can only imagine what's to come for these guys.
The city of Philadelphia is at the pinnacle of its sports for the first time in a long time.
We can only hope our teams pull through and give us maybe the biggest celebration year this city has ever witnessed. It's time we bring glory back to this city.
Andrew Wenger
GOLF STAR SPOTLIGHT: TIME GRESS "24
Peter: What was your mentality heading into the playoffs?
Tim: Before heading into the playoffs I knew I could compete with the other players, there was no doubt. My parents told me to be confident, not to take it easy on anyone, and play with heart. This really motivated me to be the best player I could be. Days leading up to the playoffs I prepared myself by playing every day and making sure my game was the best it could be.
Peter: How would you describe the overall relationship between you and your teammates?
Tim: The bond that this team had this year was unmatched by any team I have ever been on. We had so much fun during practice, making each other laugh, or when it came time to be serious we made sure we were. Everyone on the team had an impact on another player’s game.
Peter: What motivates you to succeed and evolve as a better player?
Tim: Playing with golfers that are better than me motivates me to become the best player I can be. When playing with outstanding golfers, it highlights what is needed to succeed and evolve as a player. Also, my parents play a huge role in motivating me, they always want what’s best for me and always push me to the next step.
Peter: In light of all your recent accomplishments, which are you most proud of, and what is your goal for next season?
Tim: I am most proud of being a Top 5 player in the regular season in the PCL. When I heard that news it sparked a light in me that I didn’t even realize I had. It helped me earn 1st Team All-Catholic, as well as a spot in playing in the District 12 Championship. My main goal for next year is to advance to states and compete with the best players in PA. Also, another goal is to be a Top 3 Golfer in the PCL, which I know is possible if I keep working hard and pushing myself to the next step.
Peter Gerace
JUDGE FOOTBALL INTERVIEW & UPDATES
Our Crusaders had a battle against Archbishop Wood on Friday night, defeating them 28-21 after a clutch interception taken to the house by Derrick Kennedy ‘25. Quarterback Tyler Yerkov ‘24 had a gutsy performance, as well as wide receiver Nymeir Appling ‘24. I interviewed Andrew Wenger ‘23 about his transition to Judge as well as his thoughts about this season.
Question: As the season comes to a close, what do you think you're going to do after high school football?
Answer: I am still on the edge if I want to play at the next level. I love the game and I couldn’t imagine football not being in my life but if I don't end up playing I want to attend Penn State University to pursue a career in journalism. I have a family legacy where my grandfather and uncle both went for journalism. It would be an honor to represent the Wenger name.
Q: Are you happy with your choice to transfer to Judge?
A: I couldn’t have picked a better family to join. Everyone that I have met here has welcomed me with open arms since the day I walked in. The team, my classmates, and the staff of the building have all helped me transition into being a Judge guy and I love it. The memories I have made here in just a matter of months are some that I will never forget.
Q: What do you think we could improve on as a team?
A: We just have to be physical all four quarters of the game. The Wood game was evident in how we needed to come together and put up a fight every drive. When we come together as a team and do what we are supposed to, then we can take control of the game. Every week is a new week so even though we are all still feeling good after that win it's a new week to compete and go against a new opponent.
Q: What are your thoughts on Friday's nights game
A: I thought the game was a tough game that could’ve gone anyway. We came into that game with a drive to win after taking a few losses throughout the season. It came down to who wanted it more honestly and I think we did. The varsity football team takes on Lasalle College High School this Saturday to close out their regular season campaign before they step into the playoffs.
Thomas Lally
JOURNALISM AT PLAY
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1.a tangled three-dimensional spider's web
5. a large, flat inscribed stone standing or laid over a grave
8. the spooky brother of a traditional winter squash
9. trick or treat, give me something good to eat
DOWN
2. the witches' method of transportation
3. an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust
4. strange and frightening
6. causing fear
7. to manifest itself at a place regularly
WORD SEARCH
Games Created by Jaden Davis-Wah
Word Bank
MUMMY
SCREAM
CLOWN
FRIGHTEN
GHOST
HORROR
JACK-O-LANTERN
EVIL
PUMPKIN
SCARE
HALLOWEEN
SPOOKY
TRICKOTTREAT
OCTOBER
ZOMBIE
BLACK CAT
SKELETON
HAUNTED
COSTUME
NIGHTMARE
WITCH
CANDY
VAMPIRE
FEAR
BONE
SPIRIT
BOO
GRAVE
PHANTOM
WEREWOLF
