This Date in SFD Football History - November 6, 2004

Junior Chris Thomas finished with 154 yards rushing with two touchdowns and two interceptions

Playing on the road in the regional quarterfinals for the first time since 2001, fifth-seeded St. Francis DeSales earned a 20-10 victory over Lima Shawnee, led by the running of Chris Thomas (pictured #25), the kicking of A.J. Principe, and a defense that surrendered just one touchdown.

Thomas opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown run less than two minutes into the game. Principe added a 28-yard field goal early in the second quarter to extend the lead to 10-0.

O’Shay Mallory (63) wraps up a Shawnee ball carrier

After Shawnee cut the deficit to 10-7, the Stallions responded with a 62-yard scoring drive. On third-and-14, quarterback Matt Mangini scrambled 19 yards before fumbling, but wide receiver Ricky Taylor recovered at the 5-yard line. Thomas scored on the next play to give DeSales a 17-7 advantage.

Thomas also delivered defensively, intercepting two passes, including one in the closing seconds of the first half that he returned 55 yards. Shawnee pulled within 17-10, but Principe connected on a 31-yard field goal to secure the victory.

Thomas finished with 154 rushing yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns, while adding two interceptions, helping Coach Bob Jacoby's Stallions advance in their 11th consecutive postseason appearance.

DeSales 56, Watkins Memorial 14, final

DeSales opened the Division II, Region 7 playoffs with a convincing 56-14 victory over Watkins Memorial, improving to 8-3 on the season. With the win, DeSales completed a perfect 7-0 season at home, tying the program record established by the 2016 team.

Unofficially, senior quarterback RJ Day completed 11-of-13 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns, including three scoring strikes to fellow senior Dax Middleton. Day also tied his own program record with 25 touchdown passes in a single season.

Sophomore CJ Wells continued his impressive season, piling up 183 all-purpose yards on just five touches and surpassing the 1,100-yard mark for the season. Wells also became just the 14th Stallion to record over 500 yards receiving in a season.

The Stallions also received a pair of memorable performances from their underclassmen. Freshman Javier Brown opened the second half with an electrifying 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, while sophomore Jonah Jenkins scored his first career touchdown on a 56-yard run and added two quarterback sacks defensively.

Next up: The Division II, Region 7 Quarterfinals at Washington (Massillon)

This Date in SFD Football History - October 30, 2020

The Stallions used a dominant rushing attack to roll past previously unbeaten Jonathan Alder, 31-6, in the Division III, Region 11 Semifinal at Alumni Stadium. In the first meeting between the two programs since 1964, DeSales piled up 408 yards of total offense, including 355 on the ground, to advance to the Regional Championship.

Quintell Quinn led the way with 179 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 22 carries, while Jonathan Thompson added 126 yards and a score on just 10 attempts. The Purple and White handed the Pioneers their first loss of the season and improved to 7-1, earning a spot in the Region 11 Championship Game.

DeSales 49, Bishop Hartley 19

The Stallions closed out the 2026 regular season in impressive fashion Friday night, defeating Bishop Hartley 49-19 to improve to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in Central Catholic League play.

The victory marked the Stallions' third consecutive win over the Hawks, while their 49 points were the most ever scored by DeSales against Hartley in the history of the rivalry.

Sophomore CJ Wells led the offensive attack, accounting for 205 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns, including scoring runs of 38 and 43 yards. Senior Kaleb Johnson added two touchdowns as the Stallions piled up a season-high 265 rushing yards in the victory.

Senior quarterback RJ Day added three touchdown passes, continuing his climb up the DeSales record books. Day finished the regular season with 2,005 passing yards, moving into second place on the program's single-season passing yardage list.

With the win, DeSales secured a home game in the first round of the Division II, Region 7 playoffs, where the Stallions will host Watkins Memorial next Friday night.

This Date in SFD Football History - October 23, 1965

Steve Greene carries a Ready defender through the mud

DeSales improved to a perfect 7-0 with a 22-6 victory over Ready in a Central Catholic League matchup. The Stallions scored all 22 points in the first half. Mike DeAscentis and Mike Metzger each scored on one-yard touchdown runs, while Jim Blackburn added a 26-yard touchdown run. DeAscentis also converted a pair of two-point conversions.

DeSales rushed for 231 yards, outgained Ready 251-55 in total offense, and held the Silver Knights to just one first down.

Where Are They Now? - Heath Killilea '05

Week 10
Heath
KILLILEA

2002-2004

The tenth and final edition of “Where Are They Now” for the 2026 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, features Heath Killilea ’05!

As a senior, Killilea tied a school record with eight touchdown receptions, led the Stallions with 495 receiving yards, and earned Second Team All-Central District honors while helping DeSales advance to the Regional Final. At the time of his graduation, his 10 career touchdown receptions ranked second in program history. He went on to continue his football career at Ohio Dominican University.

Now living in Westerville with his wife, Caitlin (Mogan ’06), and their three sons, Killilea reflects on his memorable first varsity start against St. Xavier, the tradition and sense of community that made playing for DeSales so special, and what it was like playing for legendary Head Coach Bob Jacoby. Click for more...

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring the series once again!

SFD senior Kaleb Johnson Verbally Commits to Grand Valley State University

St. Francis DeSales senior defensive back and running back Kaleb Johnson announced his verbal commitment to Grand Valley State University earlier this evening (10/20).

Johnson has been a standout on both sides of the ball for the Stallions this season. Defensively, he leads the team with five interceptions, the most by a Stallion in a single season since Jonathan Thompson in 2020. He also leads the team with seven pass breakups, ranks third with 54 tackles, and has recorded four tackles for loss.

On offense, Johnson leads the Stallions with 253 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. His six total touchdowns rank second on the team.

The senior is coming off a season-high 11-tackle performance against Steubenville last Friday, to go along with an interception and a 62-yard touchdown reception..

Johnson will become the second Stallion during Head Coach Ryan Wiggins' tenure to continue his football career at Grand Valley State, joining Jordan Johnson ’21.

This Date in SFD Football History – October 16, 1971

Quarterback Mitch Rossi threw a touchdown pass and broke loose for a 95-yard touchdown run as DeSales celebrated Homecoming with a 28-0 shutout of Wehrle at Brookhaven, extending its winning streak to four games.

Rossi connected on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Mark Roy and added his 95-yard scoring run to give the Stallions a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Jerry Diehl returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, while Tom Lentz capped the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run in the third.

The victory improved the Purple and White to 2-0 in CCL play.

Where Are They Now? - Dominic DiMaccio '17

Week 9
Dominic
DIMACCIO

2013-2026

The ninth edition of “Where Are They Now” for the 2026 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, features Dominic DiMaccio ’17!

A two-time Second Team All-Ohio selection in 2015 and 2016, DiMaccio tied a school record with a 55-yard field goal against Canal Winchester during his senior season. That same year, he set a single-season school record for kicking points with 94, helping the Stallions capture a Regional Championship. He finished his DeSales career with 160 points, ranking second all-time in program history.

After beginning his collegiate career at Missouri, DiMaccio transferred to Ohio State, where he appeared in 13 games for the Buckeyes.

Now living in Atlanta, Georgia, DiMaccio serves as the Director of Trading and a Financial Advisor for a wealth management firm. Click below to hear more about his memories of the Stallions’ 2016 state semifinal run, the impact Coach Ryan Wiggins had on his life, and why the DeSales football program will always feel like family: https://pouringpurple.com/where-dominic-dimaccio

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring the series once again!

DeSales 28, Columbus St. Charles 20, final

Carter Clark and Kaleb Johnson each recorded two interceptions as the Stallions improved to 6-2 overall and 1-1 in CCL play. Johnson sealed the victory with an interception on 4th-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

Offensively, RJ Day threw three touchdown passes and added a rushing score, while Dax Middleton hauled in five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

The Stallions tallied a season-high 222 yards rushing, led by Jonah Jenkins, who had 75. CJ Wells had 509.

This Date in SFD Football History - 10/9/98

The Stallions rolled to a 64-14 victory over St. Charles, scoring 44 points in the first half on their way to their 22nd consecutive win over the Cardinals.

DeSales piled up 532 yards of total offense, led by quarterback Aaron Powell, who accounted for 287 yards despite playing just over two quarters. Powell rushed for 115 yards and threw for 172 yards and four touchdowns, including scoring strikes of 27 and 41 yards to Aaron O’Reilly.

David Cook added two touchdowns, while Tony Moore caught a touchdown pass and rushed for two more scores.

Defensively, the Stallions held St. Charles to just 99 rushing yards on 34 carries

Where Are They Now? - Adam Acquista '15

Week 8
Adam
ACQUISTA

2011-2014

The eighth edition of “Where Are They Now” for the 2026 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent Adam Acquista '15!

During his time at DeSales, Adam was an All-CCL selection and helped the Stallions capture a CCL Championship and advance to the regional championship game in 2014. A two-way contributor as a receiver and kicker, he led the Stallions in receiving yards in both 2013 and 2014 and finished his senior season with 90 points, including five touchdowns, six field goals and 42 extra points. Adam was also a standout in track, earning four All-CCL honors and twice earning All-Ohio recognition.

After DeSales, Adam continued his football career at Wittenberg, lettering for the Tigers in 2017 and 2018 and earning Honorable Mention All-NCAC honors as a senior. In each of his two seasons as Wittenberg’s kicker, Adam’s PAT total ranked among the top 10 single-season marks in program history.

Adam now serves as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and is based in Louisville, Kentucky. Here, he reflects on his favorite memories from DeSales, including a memorable game-winning field goal against Watterson in 2014: https://pouringpurple.com/where-adam-acquista

Adam Acquista (33) kicked a game-winning 28-yard field goal in overtime to give the Stallions the win and the 2014 CCL Silver Division title

DeSales 30, Bloom-Carroll 0, final

Sophomore CJ Wells scored three touchdowns for the Stallions, including an 87-yard kickoff return, a 36-yard run and a 23-yard reception, as DeSales improved to 5-2.

Jordan Karhoff caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from RJ Day, who surpassed the 7,000-yard mark for his career.

Karhoff moved into third place all-time with most career receiving yards.

This Date in SFD Football History - 10/2/76

1976 Seniors. 1st Row, left to right: Bob Fresco — Co-Capt.; Jeff Fox; Steve Clobo — Co-Capt.; Rudy Tiburzio; Joe McCloskey; Todd Long; Joe Milano.

2nd Row, left to right: Dominic Tiberi; Drew Susi; Joe Conti; Bob Burrell; Gary Cummings; Matt Pomeroy; Joe Craig.

Greg Diehl scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as St. Francis DeSales defeated Westerville North, 13-12.

Diehl found the end zone on runs of two and five yards, while Bob Cua’s extra point ultimately proved to be the difference.

With a little more than two minutes remaining in the game, Westerville North attempted a two-point conversion, but the Stallion defense came up with the stop. DeSales held on for the one-point victory and improved to 4-0 to begin the 1976 season.

Diehl would go on to lead Franklin County in scoring that season with 106 points on 17 touchdowns.

Where Are They Now? - Tom Ryan '65

Week 7
Tom
RYAN

1963-1964

The seventh edition of “Where Are They Now” for the 2026 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is Tom Ryan ‘65!

Ryan was one of three captains of the 1964 Stallions, helping DeSales capture a share of the Central Catholic League championship — the first CCL title in program history. A 5-foot-6, 195-pound tackle, Ryan later graduated from Ohio State and served in the United States Marine Corps.

Here, the former Stallion looks back on DeSales’ early days, winning the program’s first championship trophy, a memorable goal-line play against Brookhaven, and the friendships with his teammates and classmates that have lasted more than 60 years…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring the series once again!

THE 1964 CENTRAL CATHOLIC LEAGUE CO-CHAMPIONS — THE FIRST CCL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM IN PROGRAM HISTORY.

Bishop Watterson 32, DeSales 0

For the first time since the 2004 through 2006 seasons, DeSales has dropped three straight games to Bishop Watterson, as the Eagles defeated the Stallions, 32-0, Friday night at Ohio Dominican. It was also the first time since the 2013 season that DeSales was held scoreless.

With 3:41 remaining in the fourth quarter, Keaton Jones scored on a one-yard touchdown run to extend the Watterson lead to 32-0.

On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Jones took the handoff and headed for the left side, where sophomore linebacker Jonah Jenkins beat Michael Boyle to the point of attack and wrapped up Jones low. Sophomore linebacker Carter Clark crashed down from the edge to finish the tackle, stopping Jones just shy of the goal line.

The stand preserved the 32-0 deficit.

This Date in SFD Football History - 9/25/1981

The Stallions went on the road and shut out Bedford St. Peter Chanel, 14-0, to improve to 4-0 on the 1981 season. It was DeSales’ third consecutive shutout.

Greg Williams scored on a 2-yard run in the first quarter, and Tom White added a 30-yard touchdown reception from Joe Peterson, set up by a DeSales interception. Mark Engert capped the scoring with a safety in the fourth quarter.

The 1981 DeSales defense would finish the season with 29 takeaways while allowing just 6.6 points per game.

Here is a Catholic Times photo of members of the 1981 team, which finished 8-2 and fourth in its region. The playoffs did not expand to four teams per region until 1985, keeping the Stallions out of the postseason despite their strong season.

Where Are They Now? - Bobby Brandenstein '99

Week 6
Bobby
BRANDENSTEIN

1995-1998

The sixth edition of “Where Are They Now” for the 2026 season, presented by Ben Aucoin, State Farm Agent, is Bobby Brandenstein ‘99!

As a senior, Bobby was a First Team All-Central District Linebacker and was recognized as Special Mention All-Ohio on the 1998 Division-III State Championship team that allowed only 8.8 points per game. He went onto play collegiately at Akron and Otterbein.

Here, the former Stallion looks back on his playing days at DeSales, including a perfect 4-0 record against Watterson, two state championships, and the brotherhood that made those teams so special…

A special thanks to State Farm Agent and SFD Assistant Coach Ben Aucoin for sponsoring the series once again!

Brandenstein (left) celebrating with teammate Mike Fletcher (11) in the final moments of the 1998 Division-III State Championship Game

DeSales 27, River Rouge 14, final

RJ Day and Kaleb Johnson each rushed for two touchdowns to lead DeSales to a 27-14 win over River Rouge (MI), as the Stallions improved to 4-1 on the season. Evan Draher recorded an interception, part of a three-turnover night for DeSales. Jonah Jenkins had a game-high 15 tackles, including four for a loss. It was DeSales’ first-ever win over a team from Michigan.

This Date in SFD Football History | September 18, 1987

DeSales improved to 3-0 and won its 27th consecutive game with a 10-6 victory over Northland.

Dan Sprout’s 21-yard field goal put the Stallions up 3-0 late in the first quarter, and Tom Walsh’s six-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 10-0 with 6:45 left in the first half.

The Stallion defense held Northland to just 124 yards, but the Vikings made it interesting, cutting the lead to 10-6 with 1:44 remaining.

The Vikings then tried an onside kick, but after a lengthy pileup, DeSales came away with the football and held on for the win.