For the first time since 2012, Bishop Feehan Football is going to the State Championship Game. The Shamrocks are Super Bowl-bound!
Comeback victories are no stress for the 2025 Bishop Feehan Football team. Four of the past eight wins have been a result of the Shamrocks’ grit, sprouting from the team’s spirit, even when trailing. These comeback victories set the scene for their Final Four matchup against Bridgewater-Raynham. Down 14-21 at the half, the team came back ready to fight. Standout plays from Xavier Baker and Max Pennellatore pushed the score up to a tie, 27-27, with mere minutes left to play. A field goal from Gavin Mooney put the team up for good, and the 31-27 score was held on to by the defense, causing a turnover on downs… and a Shamrock win!
The Shamrock’s schedule heavily prepared them for success in high-stakes games like the semifinals this past weekend. Making the transition from solely CCL teams to a broader range of Massachusetts opponents, the scene was set for outstanding performances in every game. Being viewed as an underdog surely isn’t easy, but head coach Brian Pinabell has stuck with the theme of overcoming adversity since preseason practices all the way back in August. In their postgame huddle after the Final Four victory, Pinabell admitted to the team, “No one thought we would be here right now.” That underdog mindset with something to prove has carried the team through each and every practice, huddle, kickoff, and play, keeping them grounded and focused on one end goal. Senior Kane Mankins alluded to Coach Pinabell’s motto of “1-0 every week” as a reminder to keep the team focused on one goal and one thing at a time.
That goal, in talking to Coach O’Brion, was earning their spot at the state championship game: an accomplishment achieved through focus, with every eye on the same prize. Owen Mordas commented on this team goal back in week 8 before the Fenwick matchup. Mordas acknowledged how much the accumulation of wins bolstered the public view of the team, but their focus was on the future. “We like the victories obviously,” said Mordas, “but we can’t just look back, we’ve got to move on.” It’s safe to say that mentality worked as the Shamrocks will move on to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2012.For Coach Pinabell, one of the most exciting parts is that they “get to spend two more weeks together.” `
