After only a few plays from scrimmage, Cathedral Catholic High School’s head football coach Sean Doyle realized running back Shawn Poma ‘19 possessed serious talent.

“One of his first runs was a crazy run,” Coach Doyle said. “He has such great balance and strength. My first impression is that this kid is special.”

Three years later, Poma still is hungry to add to the legacy of one of San Diego’s most storied football programs.

Currently, Poma is arguably the most vital piece of the Dons run-heavy offense, leading the Dons in yards, yards per game, points scored, and touchdowns.

“I consider myself a patient runner,” Poma said. “I like taking my time, letting the holes develop and just trusting my linemen.”

His patience was evident his sophomore year when he tallied 1,775 total yards and 22 touchdowns.

And now he is looking for more paydirt. 

After a week one loss versus La Costa Canyon High School, the Dons garnered crucial wins against Helix Charter High School and Junipero Serra High School, boasting a 5-1, 1-0 record.

“My greatest accomplishment was of course winning state in 2016,” Poma said “After coming back from that first loss, our team is starting to click. That’s what I feel our team’s greatest accomplishment is.”

Poma’s experience and presence on the field makes him a role model player. Poma has paved the way for the next wave of Dons to fill his footsteps.

“Shawn is such an amazing teammate,” CCHS cornerback Elisha Lloyd ‘21 said. “He has such a strong bond with everyone on the team, and he is a leader on and off the field.”

Poma scored four touchdowns and rushed for 175 yards against Narbonne High School to give the Dons the right to play in the Division 1-AA 2016 CIF State Football Championship. Poma scored two touchdowns as the Dons captured a state championship win against St. Mary’s High School.

Moreover, Poma exhibits the same skills previous CCHS ball carriers displayed during their times at CCHS and the University of San Diego High School.

“Shawn is just like Justin Green, who played in the NFL for four years, or Tyler Gaffney, who went to Stanford and became one of the best running backs in the country,” Coach Doyle said. “Shawn is the same type of kid: unbelievable runner, great balance and strength.”

During spring sports season, Poma takes his talents to the track field, competing in the shot put and discus events. With a shot put throw of 54-2 and a discus throw of 155-10, Poma raises eyebrows in both sports as he is highly regarded as one of San Diego’s most explosive athletes.

Despite his accomplishments, Poma still yearns to excel in all activities he pursues.

“He’s, in my mind, the best running back in San Diego County currently,” Coach Doyle said.

According to MaxPreps, the Dons rank as San Diego’s top high school football team. CCHS looks to keep the momentum rolling this Friday as it hopes to defeat rival Saint Augustine High School.

“I feel like we have come together and bonded as brothers,” Lloyd said. “We learned to play for each other and not ourselves. To have Shawn on this football team is truly a blessing.”