St Charles Day Football Game

By: Orlando Aso
Seminarian, Second Theology

Each year on November 4th, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary celebrates the feast day of its patron saint with its annual Upper Side versus Lower Side Flag Football Game. At stake is possession of the coveted football trophy engraved with the winning division’s name as well as bragging rights as the best overall athletic division (Soccer, Football, Volleyball, and Basketball). Only one month ago, the Lower Side, composed of members of the College Division and Pre-Theologate, defeated the Upper Side Theologians in Soccer and was riding the momentum of last year’s overtime flag football victory. Representing the Upperside were three theologians from the Allentown Diocese: Deacon Brian Miller, 3rd Theologian Jason Stokes and 2nd Theologian Orlando Aso. In a defensive struggle, the Upperside Theologians managed to pull out a well fought victory 10-7 made possible by several impressive defensive stands especially in the second half of the game. Overtime for the second year in a row was prevented by the narrowest of margins, as the lower side’s last second field goal attempt steered wide right by a matter of inches.

Tight end Jason Stokes was an integral offensive weapon throughout the game and made several key receptions for first downs to keep the chains moving, while cornerback Orlando Aso was called upon to stifle the Lower Side’s aerial attack. The game was especially emotional for Deacon Brian Miller, who played offensive line and started at free safety. Brian likely played his final game in a Saint Charles Seminary uniform. Struggling to hold back tears of joy, captain Brian Miller stated, “I have so many fond memories playing with my seminarian brothers. I gave everything I could on the football field, and now it’s time to hang up the cleats for good. But if given the opportunity, I hope to be back with Father Allen Hoffa next year as a guest referee.”