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Monte Vista High School alum Zach Ertz has forever etched himself in Philadelphia sports history, catching the game-deciding touchdown late in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles win their first-ever Super Bowl championship Sunday night.
Ertz, a fifth-year tight end for the Eagles, finished Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis with seven catches for 67 yards and one touchdown in Philadelphia’s 41-33 victory over the defending champion New England Patriots.
But it was his 11-yard reception with 2:21 left in the game that will be most remembered.
Ertz caught quarterback Nick Foles’ pass near the five-yard line, took a couple strides and successfully lunged into the end zone to recapture the lead for the Eagles, 38-33. The play was confirmed as a touchdown after a lengthy review by game officials.
Ertz also had a key reception earlier in the series, a 2-yard catch on fourth down to keep Philadelphia’s drive going.
The Eagles added a field goal one minute and 16 seconds after Ertz’s touchdown for a 41-33 lead, a margin that became final when the Patriots’ hail mary pass attempt fell incomplete as time expired.
Ertz, 27, was a two-sport star for the Monte Vista Mustangs before graduating in 2009. He played collegiately for Stanford and was drafted by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
What a game and so pleased that Zach Ertz was such a big part of it all. We were pleased to hear that Brent Jones; both living locally (and he is one of my favorite tight ends and from the 49er’s;) coached him. Was happy to meet his wonderful wife; years ago. At a gathering down in Silicon Valley and both are class acts. Don’t come any better. And Yea Eagles! So happy for them.
… and let’s all fervently hope that he can still remember it in the years to come.
But are we not entertained?
Not a great football fan especially with all of the protesting, but this was an exciting game and so proud to have a hometown hero.