Senior Doug Vines, one of the most exciting offensive players in Bishop Ireton history, capped off a tremendous fall campaign with All State Football honors. The Virginia Independent School Football Association coaches selected Vines as the first team all state punt returner during their annual meeting at St. Christopher’s School in
Vines, who rushed for more than 600 yards and added more than 200 yards receiving, was most dangerous in the moments after he handled a kick. Head Coach Tony Verducci noted, “Doug has exceptional vision and a very rare intuitive feel for how to attack a kick coverage. He brought us great excitement and often gave us excellent field position.” Vines, who had been a second team honoree each of the past two seasons, joined four teammates in receiving honors associated with their play for a 7 – 3 Cardinal football team. The players will receive
Conlan McCallister, one of four captains along with Vines, was selected as a second-team all state outside linebacker. McCallister completed an outstanding three year varsity career with his best statistical season yet; amassing 6 quaterback sacks, 55 tackles, 16 pass pressures and 7 pass deflections. He often came of the defensive edge, using his quickness to defeat offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. Opposing coaches and quarterbacks knew they had to account for McCallister on every play because the Cardinals lined him up in a number of spots over the course of each game.
Sophomore Moses Webb, Jr. was also selected to the All VISFA second team, as a defensive back. Webb intercepted four passes this fall, including two for touchdowns against St. Stephen & St. Agnes and Bullis. His “pick 6” against the Saints came in the fourth quarter as the host team mounted a comeback. Webb stepped in front of a pass and weaved his way through traffic, breaking five tackles before he found pay dirt. The following week, as Bishop Ireton’s Homecoming crowd settled into their seats, Webb stepped in front of a pass and took off down the sideline to put the Cardinals up for good. Webb also pitched in 32 tackles and defended 16 passes at cornerback.
Sophomore Andrew Denny, a two-year starter and the teams leading tackler, was selected for honorable mention as an inside linebacker. Denny was Bishop Ireton’s one-man wrecking crew, leading the team in sacks (7), tackles (86), and forced fumbles (4). Coach Verducci explained, “Andrew has an extremely high football IQ and plays with the effort and intensity that reflects a great tradition of Cardinal linebackers.” Denny had 15 unassisted tackles and an interception as well this fall. He and Webb look forward to being the cornerstones of another outstanding Bishop Ireton defense in 2010.
Junior tight end Tommy Gallinaro was the other Cardinal selected for All VISFA honors. Gallinaro had 18 receptions this season, becoming Michael Larrabee and Oliver Noon’s favorite target for third down conversions. He was also the team’s most effective blocking wide receiver, often throwing key blocks that sprung Vines and senior WR Mark Holmes for big plays. Gallinaro had a breakout game in a tough loss to
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