Record-setting player

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The Neumann-Southern football game is a Hatty family tradition. Bill Hatty, Class of 1971, played quarterback for the Pirates.

Jack Hatty, Class of 2003, was an All-Catholic receiver on the 2002 Neumann football team, which advanced to the Catholic League Blue semifinals. He recently completed his junior year with the Lycoming College football team.

Their respective high-school careers included Thanksgiving Day wins over Southern.

This year, Mark Hatty – Jack’s younger brother and Bill’s nephew – got his turn to lead the team to a Thanksgiving Day victory over the Rams. The junior quarterback didn’t disappoint, simultaneously taking the Saints to a 53-8 win and setting the school’s single-season passing record.

The youngest Hatty threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 1,248 for the year. Larry Barretta, Class of ’82, was the previous record holder with 1,192 yards.

Thanksgiving Day, beating Southern takes priority over individual accomplishments, though.

"I just wanted to come out and win," Hatty said. "Last year, I didn’t play at all."

In 2004, his Saints suffered a rare 30-26 loss to Southern, their first since ’89. Losing another game to their neighborhood rival was a scenario Hatty and his teammates refused to repeat.

The 6-foot-4 quarterback let his arm lead the way, passing for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, giving Neumann-Goretti a 39-0 edge. The Saints first touchdown came via a 15-yard pass to receiver Rich DiGregorio. In the second quarter, Hatty connected with running back Joe Gionfriddo on a five-yard pass.

Hatty wasn’t ready to take all the credit, as classmate Mark McPherson led the Saints offense with five touchdowns.

"[McPherson] helped us a lot," Hatty said. "He was the MVP of this game."

If put to a vote, Hatty would also get his share of yeas, especially after breaking a 23-year-old record. Neumann-Goretti coach Steve Smith, still drying off from his Gatorade victory shower, said Hatty is a team player.

"They just want to play and have fun," Smith said. "Our record doesn’t indicate the type of football we played."

If the quarterback continues following in his family’s footsteps, things will only get better. His Uncle Bill is a member of the Neumann Athletic Hall of Fame and earned a scholarship to Villanova. He is also a member of the Villanova Hall of Fame.

The youngest Hatty may join his uncle in a Hall of Fame, but, for now, seeing the Saints win is the top priority. His leadership helped the team finish the year 5-7 overall, a dramatic improvement from last year’s 2-10 record. Hatty sees even bigger things happening in 2006.

"It’s good to keep the family tradition going," he said. "Next year, I want to try and win a championship."