Bonner-Prendie State Championship Speech
Good evening, everyone.
Tonight, we have the honor of celebrating a remarkable achievement by a group of champions from Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Please join me in congratulating Head Coach Jack Muldoon and the Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast Friars, the 2024 State 4A Football Champions!
This is no small accomplishment. This championship marks Bonner-Prendie’s first state title in any sport—a historic milestone for the school. The Friars are only the third team from Delaware County ever to reach the state final and the first to win it in 24 years.
But let me be clear: success is nothing new for this program. Over the past four seasons, the Friars have amassed an impressive 43-10 record. They’ve claimed four consecutive District 12 City Titles and Philadelphia Catholic League 4A Championships.
This season, they set a school record with 12 wins and scored an astonishing 535 points. The senior class has achieved more victories in four years than any other in Bonner history.
Individually, six players earned All-Catholic honors, with Jahlil Hall, Mick Johnson, and Jeremiah Coleman recognized for their performances on both offense and defense. The team captains—Hall, Johnson, Coleman, Chaz Ingram, Chris Jones, Brady Muldoon, CJ Chisholm, and Rob Ford II—led this group with pride and determination.
Of course, this success didn’t happen in isolation—it takes a village. Bonner-Prendie’s triumph is a testament to a dedicated team effort. Coach Muldoon’s incredible staff deserves special recognition: John Wagner, Mike Melvin, Rob Ford, Jordan McCauley, Kairi Cooper, Mike Nolan, Kyle Muldoon, Rashard Smith, Lou Acello, Dahnte Crawley, Keon Akes, Stewve Hotchkiss, Eric McMullen, Jim Palmer, and Freshman Head Coach Tom Murphy.
A heartfelt thank-you also goes to Athletic Director Pat Devenney and Trainer John Patton, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
This championship wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of Bonner-Prendie President Dr. John Cooke, the administration, the staff, and the fiercely loyal Bonner-Prendie alumni.
Coach Muldoon would also like to acknowledge the steadfast support of Superintendent Tim Bernhardt and the Upper Darby Police, whose encouragement has been invaluable.
So, to the Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast Friars, the 2024 State 4A Football Champions—congratulations on your historic achievement. Please accept this well-deserved proclamation in recognition of your extraordinary season.
Thank you, and go Friars!
Proclamation
to honor
Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School Football Team, 2024 Pennsylvania PIAA 4A State Champions
Whereas, | Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School, founded in 1953, has been a cornerstone of faith, education, and community in Drexel Hill for over 70 years; and |
Whereas, | the Bonner-Prendie football team has achieved a historic milestone by winning its first-ever State Championship in any sport, while also securing its fourth consecutive District 12 4A Philadelphia Catholic League/City Title; and |
Whereas, | the Friars are only the third team from Delaware County to win a State Championship in football and the first to do so in 24 years, capping off an extraordinary four-season record of 43-10; and |
Whereas, | the team set school records for wins in a single season (12) and total points scored (535), showcasing their exceptional talent, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 2024 season; and |
Whereas, | this incredible accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches—including Head Coach Jack Muldoon—their families, and the broader Bonner-Prendie community, including President Dr. John Cooke, the alumni, and the unwavering support of the Upper Darby Police Department; |
Now, Therefore, | I, Mayor Edward Brown, hereby issue this proclamation to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School Football Team on their historic achievement as 2024 Pennsylvania PIAA 4A State Champions. |
Congratulations on this extraordinary accomplishment, and thank you for bringing honor and pride to Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast and Upper Darby Township. | |
In Witness Whereof, | I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, to be affixed this 18th day of December, 2024. |