November 22, 2005
Monarchs’ Roncketti, Delapp selected to play in East Coast Bowl
Second straight season that Methodist is represented in postseason All-Star game

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – For the second straight season, Methodist Monarch football will have representation in the East Coast Bowl. Last season, offensive guard Jonathan Byrd became the first Monarch to play in the postseason all-star game. This season, quarterback Chris Roncketti and offensive tackle Billy Delapp will participate.

Both Roncketti and Delapp will be on the North roster which consists of top players from the NCAA Division I-AA, II, III and NAIA levels from all different regions. The fifth-East Coast Bowl, which is co-sponsored by the City of Petersburg, Va., and the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame, is Saturday at 12 p.m. in Petersburg, Va.

Roncketti, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior from Hope Mills, N.C., finished his brilliant Methodist career in a flourish. He led the USA South Athletic Conference in passing, completing 141-for-241 passes for 2,234 yards and 15 touchdown passes, while also rushing for 480 yards on 82 careers and 14 rushing touchdowns. Those numbers were enough to land Roncketti both first team All-USA South honors and USA South Offensive Player of the Year.

He became the first Methodist quarterback ever to eclipse 2,000 yards passing in a season, and also set Methodist single-season records for completions and attempts and Methodist single-game records for completions and yards. Never one to panic in tough situations, Roncketti spearheaded three fourth-quarter comebacks this season for the Monarchs in leading them to a share of their first ever USA South Athletic Conference championship.

Delapp, a 6-2, 280-pound senior from Greensboro, anchored the left side of a dominant Methodist offensive line. He allowed no sacks this season and consistently graded out at 85 percent or better blocking each week. Like Roncketti, Delapp was also a first team All-USA South selection.