Parkview, RHS trying to add to series' lore

• By CHRIS CHAPPLE
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 4, 2009 - Page: 2C

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The Parkview Baptist-Redemptorist football rivalry began more than a decade ago and is one of the games fans anticipate each season.

For the players it is the biggest game of the year, outside of a playoff game.

Brady Wilson and Drew Dileo of Parkview Baptist and Deuce Coon and Drewe Burns of Redemptorist want to add to the history when the two teams meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at RHS’ Majella Field.

Second-ranked Redemptorist (8-0, 3-0) and third-ranked Parkview (7-1, 3-0) will play

for the fifth time in three seasons to decide the District 7-3A title.

Redemptorist prevailed 28-14 in Week 10 and 7-0 in the Class 3A quarterfinals in 2008, while Parkview won 43-41 in OT in Week 10 and 26-20 in OT in the semifinals on the way to the 2007 state title. The Wolves lead the series, 9-8.

Wilson was a starting free safety in 2007 and has played two seasons at quarterback. Dileo is a three-year tailback. Coon played receiver two seasons ago and has been a quarterback since.

Burns, grandson of former Redemptorist coach Chico Gonzales (coached 1957-67), is a first-year starter at linebacker but was a ball boy during the state title years of 2002 and 2003 when his brother Blaine Burns played.

“I love playing at The Rock,” said Dileo, a Michigan football commitment who has scored 11 touchdowns this season. “The atmosphere is great. It’ll be a packed house and we’re playing for the district championship. It’s a great honor to be in this rivalry.”

“It was cool when I was a ball boy,” said Burns, who went to St. Alphonsus Catholic School with Wilson and Dileo. “Now that I’m a part of the team, it’s even more special. I’ve been waiting 10 years to play in this game.”

Redemptorist has five defensive shutouts this season and Parkview has one. Parkview’s only loss was to Class 5A Dutchtown.

“We take a lot of pride in our defense,” said Burns, a junior who has 33 total tackles, including five for losses. “If Parkview scores, we’ve got to move on to the next play. Parkview has run the ball well, but we’ve got to be ready for the pass. We’ve got to play an all-around good game to win.”

Coon and Wilson are savvy quarterbacks who each have more than 1,100 yards total offense. Coon has passed for 771 yards and rushed for 455. He also has three TD catches. Wilson has 704 passing yards 443 rushing yards.