Jul. 18—SCRANTON — Players wearing their full pads and helmet battled a bright mid-summer sun and intense afternoon heat as they ran around Convery Field.
Many were processing the Scranton Prep playbook.
In a rapid-fire session of installation and execution, a quiet calm stood in the huddle and behind center. Paddy Grady is more than familiar with the successful and productive Cavaliers system that is designed and called by assistant coach Billy Pasqualichio.
As the starting quarterback for two seasons, Grady carried on the recent tradition of standouts at quarterback. And now, he serves as a leader and a teacher for those learning the playbook as the City all-stars prepare to play the County in the 87th Scranton Lions Club Dream Game, scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at John Henzes/Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“Representing Scranton Prep means a lot,” Grady said. “Especially (because) of the other great players who came before me. I watched all the older kids play in the Dream Game before me and it was always so astonishing to watch how they play. To get to that point, I have always wanted to do that. It’s always been a goal of mine and I am finally here and it is amazing.”
In 2019, as a junior, Grady took over the starter’s role at Scranton Prep. He followed Leo O’Boyle, who set school records for career passing yards with 3,956 and career passing touchdowns with 56.
On opening weekend, Grady threw for 94 yards and a touchdown and ran for another in a win over Dunmore. A week later, however, the Cavaliers fell to eventual PIAA Class 3A champion Wyoming Area and two weeks later lost to Valley View.
From there, the season turned.
In a wild game against West Scranton, Grady turned in a breakout performance. He completed 15 of 17 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 win. West Scranton quarterback Cayden Merrifield threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 80 yards and a score in the game and he is one of the quarterbacks, along with Wallenpaupack’s Alex Gardsy, learning the plays as part of the City’s three-quarterback rotation.
At the end of the season, Scranton Prep reached the District 2 title game, but lost to Wyoming Area a second time. Grady finished with 1,792 yards passing with 13 touchdowns.
In his return as a senior, in a season shortened to five games because of the coronavirus pandemic, Grady piloted the Cavaliers to an impressive first four games. A loss to Valley View in the regular-season finale, however, derailed their playoff pursuit. He closed with 909 yards and 13 touchdowns, while boasting the top passer rating in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division II at 199.1.
Now, with players from rival schools gathered on one team, Grady is focused on playing his best football, while also making sure the team comes together as a cohesive unit.
“Usually when we play during the season, we are all enemies,” Grady said. “Us, West, Scranton, we are always playing for that Scranton spot. Coming together is a little tough, but we all get to know each other a lot better and are all really friendly to each other.”
Grady will look to finish his Cavaliers career strong, guide Merrifield, Gardsy and the corps of new faces at receiver and tight end, and serve as a coach on the field.
“I was really fortunate to have our coaches coach this year,” said Grady, who is going to St. Joseph’s University. “They were supposed to coach last year, but I got a little fortunate and sorry to the guys before me. It makes it a lot easier knowing the plays because I don’t have to learn anything new, I already know everything.
“I get to help the other guys out and I really enjoy doing that, so every time someone else needs help, I try to help out the best I can.”
Contact the writer: jbfawcett@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9125; @sportsTT on Twitter