2nd Quarter Edition

FEATURED ARTICLE

AN EYE ON THE EAGLES: FOLLOW-UP

This is a follow-up to our first article about our city’s beloved team the Eagles! I’m disheartened to say that this second article will not be as thrilling as our first. As I’m sure most of you know, our team fell apart as the season progressed, resulting in a first-round exit to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was tough for most fans to watch, especially after a Super Bowl appearance the year prior. The most depressing fact is our 1st ballot Hall of Famer center Jason Kelce, is retiring now after this season, meaning he has ended his legendary career without another championship under his belt. Luckily for Philly, it’s not all bad news, since the Cowboys also lost in the first round. (Mr. Garrett)

When we first left off, we were 7-1, coming off a win against the Washington Commanders, making us the 1 seed in the NFC. Directly after this, we did clinch a big win against our primary rival, the Dallas Cowboys. The score was 28-23, and the 4th quarter was intense, to say the least. Our top performer was Jalen Hurts, with some elite passing that game. He had 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, with no interceptions. This got our city hyped beating our rival in a tense environment like that. Our next game was a win against the Kansas City Chiefs, whom we lost to last year in the Super Bowl. The game ended 21 to 17, giving us Philly fans a big win to celebrate, especially since these were our Superbowl rivals the year prior. Jalen Hurts led the second half, making it a comeback win after we were down. Our next game was against the Buffalo Bills, where we won in overtime 37 to 34. The game was tied 31 to 31, but luckily our clutch quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for a touchdown to win us the game. Exploding through the left side on a quarterback draw, where he rushed through a wide-open spot and split a pair of potential Buffalo tacklers, Jalen got the touchdown and secured the overtime win.

Now our next set of 3 games is where our demise commenced. Especially in our game against the 49ers, where it seemed our offense couldn’t get going, and our defense couldn’t get a stop to get off the field. The score was 42 - 19, and this was the first loss in a while, with many more to come. We started the game off well in the first quarter, where we held them to no touchdowns, leading 6-0. However, after that, they scored 6 touchdowns in the next 3 quarters, to our measly 3 touchdowns. The next game after that to the Cowboys felt like deja vu, where we also got blown out. It was another lackluster game for both sides of the ball. After losing these two games to conference rivals in a pitiful matter, it left players and fans alike discouraged, which is why I believe we lost our 3rd game to the Seahawks. The game against this conference rival ended in a 17 to 20 loss. This game put on display that no matter how good our offense plays their game, it’s all in vain if our defense (especially our secondary) can’t come up with any stops. It’s hard to talk about a top player in the game. Still, our worst player this game was easily James Bradberry, for he was the main defender on every play in the Seahawk's game-winning touchdown drive, which ended with him getting beat on a streak, inevitably sealing the game.

Luckily for us, our game on Christmas day was unlike the previous game. The Eagles team cooked up for Christmas day, to give all Philly fans an amazing present that Santa couldn’t have provided. We beat the Giants 33 to 25, where we had an amazing 3rd quarter, where we had 15 points, and held New York to no points scored. The fourth quarter was a bit scary for Philly fans to watch, due to them out-scoring us 13 to 7, but we still left the field with the victory and New York’s pride. Coming off of this, fans everywhere thought this was the win needed to get our team back into our streak. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay hot after this win.

Our next game was high-scoring against the Arizona Cardinals, where we lost 35 to 31. For us Philly fans, the only real highlight from this game is when the rookie safety Sydney Brown, had a 99-yard pick-six. This game was another scenario of the defense being incapable of getting a stop, which soiled our chances of winning. The next game was a rematch against the Giants, and sadly for Philly, they had the final laugh. In this contest, we saw AJ Brown, and Jalen Hurts walk away banged up. We also inevitably benched our starters in the second half of the game, that way no more injuries could ensue before our playoff stint. The final score was 21-10, which is just laughable, especially since the Giants were 5-11 up to this point. The second half of the season was not exactly smooth sailing for our Eagles, but what happened in the wildcard round, would make anyone who had only seen the first half-season, puzzled, to say the least. In the wildcard, we faced off against the 9-8 Buccaneers, where we suffered an appalling loss. The final score was 32 to 9, and it can be summed up by saying that, yet again the defense premiered utterly clueless on the field, and was completely incapable of getting a tackle even if their lives depended on it. The game was pitiful to the minimum, but there isn’t much to speak on. We were eliminated, and that’s just how it is. This offseason, I think we should dedicate time to rebuilding and strengthening our defense, for that is where we primarily struggled throughout the season.

Something else I would like to dedicate a paragraph to is the retirement of our first-ballot Hall of Famer, Jason Kelce. Jason is a beloved member of our association, and I’m sure his retirement is not the last we will see of him. He helped win us the Superbowl in 2018 and was a 7-time Pro-Bowler. When we lost to the Bucs, Jason was seen crying on the sideline, because he knew after this loss, it was finally time to hang up his cleats and call it a wrap. Jason is a Philly legend, and will never be forgotten by fans. I’m sure we’ll still see many more great moments from Jason on his podcast with his brother, Travis. While it’s upsetting to know we won’t see him on the field anymore, the memories he’s created are worth it, and we all hope he has a great retirement.

Looking back at this season, we suffered many mishaps in the second half of the season and were quickly taken out of the playoffs. It also didn’t help disheartened Eagles fans to have our Hall of Fame Center retire afterward. However, with the conclusion of this season, the most I can say is, it’s onto the next. GO BIRDS!!!

by Tyler Newburn and Connor Stevenson '27

LIFE AT JUDGE

GET TO KNOW JASON SMARON

Father Judge Ice Hockey has been on a tear this year thanks to numerous seniors stepping up this year. After losing two consecutive PCL Championship games, the Crusaders are even hungrier to secure that PCL title they've been yearning for this year, especially the seniors. One of these seniors has not been here all four years, but he sure has made an impact, so I decided to interview him. Jason Smaron is not only a hockey player, but has also played lacrosse in his previous three seasons here at Father Judge. Smaron has recently committed to Chestnut Hill College for Lacrosse and the young fella can’t wait for the next step in his career.

R: Growing up, what or who inspired you to become a hockey player? Whether it's someone close or someone famous, how did they get you into the sport?

J: When I was younger I wanted to play football like my dad, but seeing how much it took a toll on his body, he didn’t want me to end up like him. He saw hockey just as similar but a little safer and ever since then I've been playing.

R: What would you say is the hardest part of being a hockey player?

J: The hardest part about being a hockey player in my eyes is how sore your body gets before games and practices. Over time, you start to get used to it but it’s still always there.

R: Many people don’t know, but you weren’t a Crusader all four years of high school. What aspects of the school or the sport are different between your previous school and Father Judge?

J: The difference from my previous school would definitely be how tight-knit the team is whether that’s in school or on the ice. We all get along so well and we are always getting together on the weekends to just hang out and just be around one another.

R: What’s your mindset during a game? Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you locked in?

J: Usually on a game day, I’m always thinking about our opponent that night and throughout the day in school. As far as rituals during pregame, I do the same thing every game. When I get to the rink, I always sit in the same spot to get dressed and walk out to the ice either with George Whitfield or Ant Casper.

R: Who is your favorite teammate and why?

J: Favorite teammate and why haha. I love all my teammates but if I had to choose one it would be George Whitfield. He’s a transfer as well and he’s always getting everyone excited pregame and in school. He’s just a great guy to be around.

R: Lastly, as we know, Father Judge Ice Hockey has lost consecutive PCL Championships. What are some ways that you and the team can finally secure the title this year and end your senior year on a good note?

J: Yeah man, we definitely have had some tough years in the past. Coming in as a new guy sophomore year, I was accepted pretty well with all the guys and they all became like brothers to me trying to get used to a new environment. This year, everyone’s been a lot more focused whether that’s in practice or in games. Everyone on the team wants to win and our coaches have definitely been motivating us these past two years to beat tough teams and eventually hold that trophy.

by Ryan Dalesandro

Q3 IMPORTANT DATES

Jan & Feb

Jan 29 Mon - Catholic Schools Week & Salesian Week, Quarter 3 begins, Schedule #4

Jan 30 Tue - Catholic Schools Week & Salesian Week, Schedule #3

Jan 31 Wed - Catholic Schools Week & Salesian Week, Schedule #5

Feb 1 Thu - Catholic Schools Week & Salesian Week, Schedule #3

Feb 2 Fri - Catholic Schools Week & Salesian Week, Schedule #4

Feb 8 Thu - Schedule #6

Feb 10 Sat - ACT Test

Feb 14 Wed - Schedule #6

Feb 19 Mon - Junior College/Trade School Visit Day, No school for students

Feb 21 Wed - Schedule #3, Q2/S1 Parent-Teacher Conferences, Mandatory Senior Parent Meeting

Feb 23 Fri - Schedule #3, SAT Registration

Feb 26 Mon - No School for Students

Feb 27 Tue - FJ Spring Blood Drive

Feb 29 Thu - Schedule #6

Provided by Frank Do

Q3 IMPORTANT DATES

March & April

March 8 Fri - Schedule #1, ACT Registration

March 9 Sat - SAT Test, FJ 9th & 10th Grade Formal

March 11 Mon - No School for Students

March 14 Thu - Schedule #6

March 15 Fri - Schedule #5

March 18 Mon - Schedule #5

March 20 Wed - Post-Secondary Info Night (7Pm - 9PM Auditorium)

March 21 Thu - Junior College/Trade School Visit Day, No school for students

March 22 Fri - 9th-11th Grade Course Selection Due

March 23 Sat - FJPA Mother-Son Dance (7Pm - 11PM Philadelphia Ballroom)

March 27 Wed - Schedule #4

March 28 Thu - No School for Students & School Closed

March 29 Fri - No School for Students & School Closed

April 1 Mon - No School for Students & School Closed

April 5 Fri - Schedule #6, 3rd Quarter Ends

STUDENTS SHOWCASE HISTORICAL DEBATES IN INFLUENTIAL CHEMIST PROJECT

In a captivating academic venture, students in Ms. Black's chemistry classes recently delved into the rich history of chemistry through a unique project. Assigned a famous chemist, each student participated in a March Madness bracket-style debate competition to determine the most influential chemist of all time. Students passionately presented their chosen chemists, drawing on historical achievements and groundbreaking contributions to the field. The project not only encouraged in-depth research but also fostered critical thinking and public speaking skills. What set this competition apart was the incorporation of the Salesian 7 principles into each presentation. The culmination of the project brought forth a winner, who not only demonstrated a deep understanding of their assigned chemist but also showcased the principles of the Salesian 7. The triumphant student earned an impressive 25 extra credit points, adding an element of friendly competition to the educational experience. Ms. Black expressed pride in her students' dedication and the project's success, highlighting how it combined historical knowledge with modern values. The project not only deepened the students' understanding of chemistry but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication in academic pursuits.

MISCELLANEOUS

2023 WEATHER IN REVIEW

According to NOAA and the National Centers for Environmental Information, 2023 featured significant climate anomalies and events in the United States. For instance, a Preliminary study indicates that the average annual temperature in the contiguous United States was 54.4°F, which is 2.4°F higher than the average for the 20th century and ranks as the sixth warmest year in the 129-year record. In 2023, annual temperatures in the eastern United States were above normal, with 35 states ranking among the top 10 in terms of warmth from January to December. Parts of the southern Plains had temperatures far above 100°F in June due to a heat wave. On June 20, the cities of Del Rio and Rio Grande in Texas recorded 113°F, while San Angelo recorded 114°F, setting records for each location's all-time high temperature. Rio Grande Village, Texas saw its highest temperature of 119°F on June 24, just 1°F less than the state's all-time record. Death Valley recorded its highest-ever day temperature of 128°F on July 16 and its highest-ever midnight temperature of 120°F on July 17.

With an average annual precipitation of 29.46 inches, 0.48 inches less than the national average, the contiguous United States was in the driest third of the 129-year record. Even though there was near-normal precipitation nationwide in 2023, there were a number of noteworthy regional occurrences as well, such as a number of atmospheric rivers across much of the West and many strong storms that produced record-breaking amounts of precipitation to numerous areas of the United States. Throughout 2023, a large portion of the Great Plains continued to be severely dry. Overall, precipitation for the year was above average across most of the Northeast, including portions of the Great Lakes, southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast, as well as in portions of the western Plains and California. From the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic, the Northwest, much of the Mississippi Valley, and portions of the Southwest to the Gulf of Mexico, the precipitation was below average. The seventh driest year on record for Louisiana occurred. In comparison, Maine came in at number five, and the wettest states on record for this 12-month period were Vermont and Connecticut, respectively. Three other states had years that were among the ten wettest on record. This is the third consecutive year that drought coverage has been considerable in the contiguous United States as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM).

The United States saw historically high levels of weather-related and climate-related catastrophes in 2023, with 2023 breaking the previous record of 22 billion-dollar disasters in a calendar year. Among these calamities were 17 strong storms, 4 instances of floods, 2 tropical cyclones, 2 tornado outbreaks, 1 winter storm, 1 wildfire, and 1 instance of drought and heat wave. In 2023, the United States incurred disaster expenses of $92.9 billion, leading to 492 fatalities both directly and indirectly. In 2023, 20 named tropical systems were brought about by record-warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic basin. This ranked fourth for the most named storms in a year since 1950. Three of these storms strengthened into major hurricanes, making seven of these storms hurricanes. The number of wildfires in 2023 was close to the 10-year average (2013–2022) with more than 55,500 wildfires reported over the year, while the total acres burned from these wildfires—2.6 million acres—were well below this 10-year average of 7.1 million acres. The 2023 tornado count was above the 1991–2020 annual average across the contiguous U.S. with 1,197 confirmed tornadoes reported, with an additional 97 preliminary tornadoes during the October 1 to December 31 period yet to be verified.

In 2023, the U.S. Climate Extremes Index (USCEI) was the 11th highest in the 114-year record, 65 percent over average. This above-average number was mostly caused by heightened extremes in warm maximum and lowest temperatures throughout the course of the year. Regionally, regarding extremes during 2023, the South and Northeast came in second and third, respectively, on record.

by Peter Gerace

TASTY LICKS: ASAD'S HOT CHICKEN

If you haven't experienced Asad’s yet, it's a must-try, especially for spice enthusiasts. I opted for the classic chicken sandwich with hot sauce and fries, and it was truly exceptional. The chicken was some of the best I've had recently, and irresistibly addictive despite the intense heat. Even the fries, while quite good, pack a punch. Ordering "mild" still brings enough heat to make you break a sweat, while "hot" is head-melting after a few bites, and "extra hot" feels like eating fire—undeniably tasty but potentially perilous if unprepared. The preparation is top-notch, leaving your house smelling delicious for hours and leaving you yearning for more. Asad’s is an excellent establishment that delivers fresh and amazingly flavorful food. A solid 10/10 recommendation—I might even swing by after school today.

by Mick Murray

NOSTALGIA

Nostalgia is described as a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. In other words, it’s a good feeling you get when you see, smell, taste, hear, or touch something that reminds you of a fond memory. Nostalgia has the ability to transport us back to a specific moment in time, allowing us to relive the past.

An example of what can trigger nostalgia is the Kelly Green uniforms that the Eagles wore this past season during the Miami and Buffalo games (two games they won this season by the way). The Kelly Green jerseys were last worn in 2010, during week one. But they were the main jerseys from 1935-1996. So anyone who grew up watching the Eagles during that time span, most likely felt nostalgia just by watching them. Video games also have a unique ability to transport us back in time, evoking the feeling of nostalgia.

Whether it's the pixelated graphics of the early arcade games or the iconic soundtracks of console classics, video games have a way of triggering memories and emotions from our past. The familiar characters, immersive worlds, and challenging gameplay all contribute to this nostalgic experience. Video games have become a powerful medium for creating lasting memories and forging connections with our past, making them an integral part of our collective nostalgia.

by Owen Zidow

FILM SYNOPSIS: FOOTLOOSE (2011)

The film "Footloose" kicks off with a lively scene at a country club, soon followed by a tragic car accident involving five friends. This incident prompts a small town called Belmonte to enforce a ban on dancing, driven by the grief-stricken father of one of the accident victims. Ren McCormack, the protagonist, arrives in Belmonte and, after settling in with his aunt and uncle, encounters various challenges, including the restrictive anti-dancing law.

Ren's journey unfolds as he navigates school life, forms friendships with characters like Willard and Woody, and eventually challenges the town's dancing prohibition. A significant turning point occurs at a fast-food place where Ren, Ariel, and others defy the ban, setting the stage for their rebellion.

The movie further explores Ren's involvement in a demolition derby, his efforts to teach Willard how to dance, and a library incident that lands him in trouble. Ren's struggle against societal norms becomes a central theme as he seeks to overturn the dancing ban, leading to a poignant protest at the country club where the fatal accident occurred.

Ariel's turbulent relationship with her boyfriend Chuck adds emotional depth to the narrative. Ren's resilience is evident in scenes where he copes with unjust accusations and seeks solace in an abandoned factory. The pivotal moment arrives when Ren saves Ariel from a train track dare, marking a turning point in their relationship.

The film climaxes with Ren's courtroom challenge, invoking biblical references, and a memorable prom night held outside Bellmonte at an old steel factory. The culmination of events sees Ren and Ariel triumph over adversity, with a powerful message conveyed through energetic dance sequences. The movie successfully weaves together themes of rebellion, friendship, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

by Jon Rodriguez

JUDGE ON FILM

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