Loyola's Brant Hall is BTC Coach of the Week
His Dons battled back from a pair of two touchdown deficits to upset Curley, 33-32
One of the biggest upsets of the early 2015 football season took place Friday night as Loyola Blakefield staged a stirring second half rally to knock off previously No. 6 ranked Archbishop Curley, 33-32. In ending a two-season losing streak to the Friars, the Dons earned their head coach, Brant Hall, Baltimore Touchdown Coach of the Week honors for Week 3 of the 2015 football season. Hall, who has his squad off to a 2-1 start this fall, says the early success comes down to a key ingredient important to all teams. “I think that last week's win speaks to the character of the young men that we have on this year's team,” said Hall. “We are trying to challenge them to become one unit and put the team before themselves. “This win will help with the confidence that our boys have in themselves and their teammates. We must continue to work hard and take it one week at a time.” Friday, Loyola literally took it one play at a time, as they battled back from a pair of two touchdown deficits, including a 26-12 margin in the second half. Hall pointed to senior leadership for leading the effort. “Biafra Okoronkwo and Darren Seward are two seniors who have displayed their leadership through their play on the field. Biafra is a great kid who has been the spark plug for our offense for the past two weeks,” said Hall. “He had two big touchdown runs against Curley that kept us in the game. He is currently averaging over 13 yards per carry this year. Darren racked up 20 tackles in the win and continues to show why he is one of the best linebacker in the state of Maryland. It's great to have senior leadership with such a young team.” Hall was once a star player with the Dons and he also served as an assistant under former coach Brian Abbott before taking the helm of the program in 2012. He discussed the honor he fells to lead his alma mater. “It is very special for me to lead the football team at such a great school. I am extremely humbled and proud to have to opportunity to continue to represent Loyola Blakefield and everything the school stands for,” stated Hall. “Most importantly, I'm honored to be able to help with the formation of our Dons.” He was also honored to be recognized by his coaching peers “It's a special honor to share the same fortune as some of the other great men, that are a part of the BTC, who have been named Coach of the Week before me. It feels good to know that people appreciate the job that you do to help our youth.” Further, Hall expressed his appreciation for the work of the BTC. “The BTC does a great job to help and promote the young men that play high school football in Maryland. As an organization, the number one goal is to make sure that the athlete's in the Baltimore-Metro area get the same exposure as the kids in the rest of the country,” added Hall. “I am very thankful for the BTC and everything the group does to help support the schools and athletes that are a part of the group.”