In week 3 of league play, quarterback Dante Torres was named Player of the Week in the AAA bracket by the New York Catholic High School Football League [NYCHSFL]. His dynamic and quick play allowed him to gain victory over the notorious 2019 league champions, Cardinal Hayes. Torres threw 3 touchdowns for 316 passing yards, a career best, and completed 16 of 26 attempts. In addition to his passing abilities, he ran for 80 total yards with 2 scoring drives to accumulate a total of 5 touchdowns for the night.
Being 6’3”, 195 lbs of pure athleticism he is a threat to the opponent every time he touches the field. Torres made notable connections with senior running back Josh Escobar for a 60 yard run less than two minutes into the Hayes game, and with Korey Duff, the most popular receiver of the night, who ended the night with three touchdown passes from Torres to help complete a 48-28 victory.
Torres explained how he maintains a “play hard” mentality, saying “it’s just a trait we have built over the years. The only way you get the most out of a game is by giving max effort mentally and physically. Before every offensive drive, whether it’s me or another offensive player, we’ll say things to keep our teammates up, focused and ready for the next play. And throughout the game, you’ll hear everyone on the sideline saying positive things to keep us going.” Torres is a proven leader even as a junior he can lead this team to victory on and off the field.
Friar fans can be hopeful for this team’s future, even despite the dismissal of many veterans in the class of 2021, including Quarterback Connor McCreery, who split a majority of reps with Torres. Torres, now in full possession of the starting spot, with help of senior quarterback Danny Buffa in certain rotations, shows no signs of slowing down.
Torres’ play style has received its fair share of recognition already; he has been mentioned in multiple reports, stories, and interviews as a prominent figure in the Friars’ offense. Recently Torres won the program a $1000 grant by being named Mike Quick’s Player of the Week presented by the New York Jets, Gatorade, and ESPN Radio. Friar fans are excited for what Torres brings to the program and for the future of this Friar team.
Good Luck to Torres and congratulations on the accomplishments thus far this season!!
Gabrielle Miller is a Senior at St. Anthony’s High School, this is her third year at Friar Scoreboard. She is a member of NHS, Model UN, Support Our Troops and hopes to study anthropology in the future. She is also a member of the Varsity Badminton team.
