Seniors James Shallow, Brady Muldoon, Kevin Ford, and Xavier Mills excelled on the field and in the classroom. As their final Friars football season ended, they shared their journey, values, and favorite moments at Bonner & Prendie.
Q: When did you first love football?
James Shallow: I started playing flag football at age five and slowly progressed into tackle. My family are big Eagles fans, so I was raised to love football. I play offensive and defensive line.
Brady Muldoon: I've loved football for as long as I can remember. I was obsessed with DeSean Jackson and the Eagles and started playing flag football in second grade. Then I moved to pads in fifth grade.
Kevin Ford: I started playing flag football at St. Dorothy's in Drexel Hill in second grade and began playing with pads in sixth grade. I'm now a linebacker, but I used to play defensive end and tight end in grade school.
Xavier Mills: I've been playing football since I was four. At first, I didn't like it, and I even quit for a few years. After returning to play at Bonner & Prendie, I started loving it. Now I play defensive end, which is my favorite position.
Q: How has Bonner & Prendie impacted your life and shaped your values?
James Shallow: I came from a public school, so the Catholic environment was an adjustment. I think the values and discipline—like wearing a uniform and being aware of my behavior—have prepared me for the future.
Brady Muldoon: Bonner & Prendie has been my second home. My dad's been coaching here for ten years, so I've grown up around it. It's also shaped my career path; I plan to go into a trade after high school.
Kevin Ford: It's taught me the value of hard work. Whether on the field or in the classroom, you have to earn everything. Staying on the honor roll takes effort, just like competing on the field.
Xavier Mills: It's allowed me to meet people I wouldn't have met elsewhere. Football has taught me to cherish the moments and be present. It's helped me enjoy high school much more, especially in my junior and senior years.
Q: Who has influenced you most at B&P, and why?
James Shallow: Coach Muldoon and Dr. Cooke have been great role models. They're authentic and always have our backs. Knowing they recognize and appreciate our efforts makes me work harder.
Brady Muldoon: My dad, hands down. He's been there for me since day one both as a coach and a father. Having him at school has been an amazing experience. Of course, I have to thank my mom, too - she has been my biggest fan. She has always supported me in everything I do. She is there everyday, getting up early and making my breakfast and lunch…whatever I need. I am grateful for everything she does for us.
Kevin Ford: My math teacher, Mr. McShane. He's always pushed me to do my best and stay on top of my work. He's tough, but he cares.
Xavier Mills: Ms. Gilbert in Admissions and Coach Muldoon. Ms. Gilbert has been a great homeroom teacher and someone I can talk to about anything. Coach Muldoon has always advocated for us and made me love football even more.
Q: What advice would you give to younger B&P student-athletes?
James Shallow: There will be late nights. After practice, you'll still have homework to do, but you have to push through. Good grades matter whether or not you plan to play football in college.
Brady Muldoon: Stay after school if you don't understand something. Teachers like Mr. McShane are always willing to help. Getting your work done before practice makes a big difference.
Kevin Ford: Time management is key. Make time to study and do homework. Stay after school and finish your work before practice.
Xavier Mills: Focus on time management. There will be nights when you'll need to sacrifice sleep to get your work done. It's worth it to make sure your grades are where they need to be for college and scholarships.
Q: How has B&P shaped your future goals?
James Shallow: It's helped me determine what I'm good at. I plan to major in mechanical engineering, and the challenging math classes have shown me I'm ready for college.
Brady Muldoon: I'm applying to Williamson Trade School for electrical work or possibly nuclear power. Counselors and my dad inspired me to consider trade school as a great option.
Kevin Ford: I'm looking into becoming an electrician, like my dad. Bonner has shown me all the different career paths and how to prepare for them.
Xavier Mills: I want to be an engineer. Bonner introduced me to a STEM program where I spent a week in Maryland meeting executives and learning about engineering careers. It solidified my goals.
Q: What's your funniest memory from your time at B&P?
James Shallow: Celebrating in the locker room after the state championship was unforgettable. Beating Roman Catholic in our first year in a new division was also a highlight. I'll also remember the music and energy in the locker room.
Brady Muldoon: Going to Ireland with the team last year was incredible. Living in dorms with my teammates felt like college. There were so many funny moments.
Kevin Ford: Locker room moments and bus rides were the best. Everyone's always messing around and having fun, especially with the younger players.
Xavier Mills: Some players started joking with the coaches on a bus ride back from practicing at the Eagles facility. The whole bus was laughing all the way home. Practicing at the Eagles facility was an incredible experience, too.
We are proud of these seniors and their Friars teammates who made the honor roll this year. Keep up the great work!