In the only way he can, Stone Saunders is wrapping up his storied high school football career. How suitable?
Subscribe to PennLive’s high school sports newsletter every day.
Last week, Saunders stated, “Yes, it will be a relief when I’m able to make it official.” To be honest, I’m looking for a demanding week.
On a hectic National Signing Day, Saunders was stress-free for at least a portion of Wednesday. Bishop McDevitt High School’s record-setting quarterback from Pennsylvania accepted a scholarship to Kentucky, which is in the SEC.
Months after winning the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year Award for guiding the Crusaders to their first PIAA Championship since 1995, Saunders was selected more than two years ago.
When the Crusaders play Roman Catholic in the 5A final at Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field on Friday, Saunders and McD will compete for another state championship.
We should be able to prepare for a state championship game. Therefore, Saunders declared, “I’m going to flip the switch very quickly on Wednesday.” I’ll probably savor the moment for half an hour or so before rushing back to the movie.
Saunders signed his contract. Inside McD, surrounded by teammates and family, the quarterback ultimately chose the Wildcats over offers from Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, and Georgia.
Saunders has 48 minutes left in his prep career and is attempting to break two more Pa. records versus the Cahillites: passing yards and lifetime completions.
With 202 career touchdown passes, Saunders is already the state’s all-time top. He needs just 15 completions and 131 throwing yards to move up the chart in both categories.
On September 20, 2024, Bishop McDevitt defeated Carlisle 56-7 in high school football thanks to a pass from Stone Saunders.
Briner, Vicki Vellios | Exclusive to PennLiveBriner, Vicki Vellios | Exclusive to PennLive
In fact, his 202 career touchdown throws rank third nationwide, per the MaxPreps Record Book. The only people who have thrown more are Maty Mauk (Kenton, OH) and Jake Browning (Folsom, Calif.) at 229.
Saunders has overtaken a number of names, including Trevor Lawrence (Cartersville, GA) at 161, Will Greier (Davidson, NC) at 195, Chris Leak (Independence, NC) at 185, Kellen Moore (Prosser, WA) at 173, Jayden Daniels (Cajon, CA) at 170, and Shadeur Sanders (Trinity Christian, TX) at 166.
Saunders hasn’t noticed, though.
“I want to win a state championship at the end of my high school career,” Saunders stated. The coaches and teammates that have surrounded me over the last four years have been a blessing. Going out with a state championship is, in my opinion, the only way to respect those who have greatly aided me.
Eric Epler can be followed on Twitter and X at @threejacker.
We appreciate your interest in PennLive. There has never been a greater need for local journalism of high quality. We need your help. Not yet a subscriber? Please think about helping us out.
More High School Sports
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!