Port Richmond High School’s football history is a source of pride for the Staten Island community.
With one Port Richmond football championship under its belt, the Raiders’ legacy is bolstered by decades of extraordinary talent.
Fans recently voted to decide which players deserve a spot on the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Port Richmond football, and the results are now final.
The poll featured historic greats and fan favorites.
Gary Barton led the charge and secured 11.38% of the vote.
Barton, a standout lineman from the 1972-73 seasons, paved the way for Port Richmond’s best-ever 8-1 season in 1973 and earned Little All-American honors at Minot State.
Following closely were Jeremy Ramos (9.41%) and Steve Mirasola (8.99%).
Ramos, quarterback of the 2008 Port Richmond football championship team, led the Raiders to their only PSAL city title with incredible performances, including 1,326 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in his senior year.
Mirasola, a two-time All-Star from 1987-88, left his mark as a quarterback and continued to excel in local men’s leagues.
Other top vote-getters included Bobby Wietecha Jr. (7.37%) and Thomas Fernan (7.29%). Wietecha set an Island record with 63 receptions in 1984, a record that stood for 22 years.
Fernan, a dominant linebacker/wide receiver, helped Port Richmond reach the playoffs in 2005 and 2006.
Torian Phillips, the star of the 2008 championship team, garnered 6.91% of the vote.
Phillips led the team with 1,486 rushing yards and 208 points in his senior season, capping it off with a 208-yard, four-touchdown performance in the championship game against Fort Hamilton.
Though Barton, Ramos, Mirasola, and Wietecha captured large shares of the votes, the community also recognized several other legends, including Karl McCoy (4.9%), Lou Rubio (2.66%), and Jeff Henry (2.82%).
McCoy’s exceptional athleticism earned him a scholarship to Penn State, while Rubio’s defensive leadership powered the Raiders’ dominant 1973 season.
Henry, a nose guard from 1974-75, was a key force in shutting down opponents.
As the poll concludes, it’s clear that Port Richmond football fans hold these players in high regard and not just Philly football news outlets. Whether cheering on the Raiders’ current roster or reflecting on past triumphs, the passion for Port Richmond football continues to thrive in the Staten Island community.
