The 1978 Football Team was inducted into the Pius X Athletics Hall of Fame on August 3, 2024.
1978 Football Team
The 1978 Pius X football team under the helm of legendary coach Vince Aldrich captured its second Class B State Championship in four years. The Bolts used a powerful charging line and an explosive backfield, along with one of the hardest hitting defenses in Class B to stifle their opponents during the 1978 campaign.
Their undefeated season included wins against Valentine, York, Omaha Cathedral, South Sioux City, Omaha Ryan, and Lexington. Before Pius X’s next game had even started, the Thunderbolts had already clinched a spot in the State Class B playoffs. Pius X coasted by Beatrice, 41-7, as they prepared for playoff activity. Pius X opened its playoffs by trouncing Waverly 39-22. The next game brought the toughest opponent, but the Thunderbolts came from behind to defeat Central City 28-14.
O’Neill came to O.N. Magee Stadium for the showdown of powers, bringing in two of the best backs in the state. The Bolts opened up with Coniglio running 56 yards to the three before Brusnahan dived over. O’Neill came back breaking loose for 55 yards and tying the score 7-7. Defense dominated until Bissell hit Peters for a 30-yard strike. A fumble recovery led to a 6-yard scamper by Coniglio to give the Bolts a comfortable 19-7 halftime lead. Brusnahan came out in the third quarter scoring from 11 yards out and Pius X could smell state championship in the air. O’Neill came back but Pius X scored again on a Morin run and finished up Class B State Champions 33-14. The championship team consisted of four All-City honorees including Joe LeDuc, Ken Rosburg, Marty Coniglio and Ed Woolman.
