Senior Hudson Sullivan (5) is an all state player for the third year.
Senior linebacker Hudson Sullivan, sidelined for almost half of Bishop Ireton’s 2013 football season, led a group of six Cardinals who were honored by the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) football coaches this month as all state players. Sullivan, a team captain and three-time all-state linebacker, was a second team selection along with fellow linebacker Josh Ammon. Ammon, an honorable mention All Met selection by the Washington Post, led the Cardinals in solo tackles and assists this past season.
Head Coach Tony Verducci noted that his fellow competitors and coaches had great respect for Sullivan’s outstanding level of play before he sustained an injury to his foot during the first half of the sixth game of the season. “At the time he was injured, Hudson led the state as well as our team in a number of statistical areas, including total tackles. Coaches remembered that Hudson was a first team selectee last year and saw fit to include him as a second team honoree this year.”
While football enthusiasts and college coaches were well aware of Sullivan before the Cardinals opened the season with a 21 – 2 victory over Park View, there were very few people outside of the Ireton football program who knew that Josh Ammon was another force to be reckoned with as a linebacker. Defensive Coordinator Jerton Evans, an All American safety at the University of Virginia, explained that, “Josh opened everyone’s eyes from the very first day he arrived at Bishop Ireton. He’s an incredibly hard worker who truly plays every snap with maximum effort! It was great to see his effort respected by the Washington Post and the VISAA coaches.”
Senior Offensive lineman Taylor Dean was also awarded second team honors for his consistently outstanding play at right tackle. Like Sullivan, Dean hopes to make a decision in the coming months about the school at which he will continue his education and playing career. Dean gave Ireton quarterbacks Andrew Latrash and Chandler Wilder enough time for junior wide receiver Drew Smith to catch a school record 47 passes this fall. Offensive coordinator Joe Blaszkow shared his observations about the 2013 second team all-state wide receiver, noting that, “As the season wore on it became evident that opponents were focused on trying to limit the number of touches Drew had in games. He’s a smart and focused player who still found a way to make plays for us.”
Sophomore defensive back Corey Johnson was another Cardinal who took flight this season. He tied for the VISAA lead in interceptions with six, which led to his being selected for second team honors as a defensive back. Senior kicker Matt Bocchi was almost perfect on extra points (13 of 14) and nailed 4 of 6 field goal attempts as well; his production led to his selection as an honorable mention all-state kicker.
While Sullivan, Dean and Bocchi will be missed, Associate Head Coach Charlie Meyers looks forward to having Ammon, Smith and Johnson back for the 2014 campaign, “Josh, Drew and Corey are great examples of the character traits that lead to success on the field and in life. Josh is a poster child for hard work, Drew brings attention to detail and Corey overcomes adversity through perseverance. We’ll lean on them and many other outstanding returning letter winners as we prepare to soar next fall.”
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