Catholic Memorial senior quarterback Kise Flannery has emerged as a star.
After powering the Knights to a Div. 2 Super Bowl championship last year, the captain has his squad off to a 4-0 start. Now he’s looking to cap his high school career in style.
“When you put on the helmet and the jersey, you’re not just playing for you,” Flannery said. “You’re playing for the people who care for you. So, it’s really like you’re trying to uphold that same name, that same history that came before you. It’s a very proud moment, to be able to be part of something that’s so big, bigger than yourself.”
Since his coaching career started at St. Patrick’s in Watertown in 1982, coach John DiBiaso has captured 16 state titles in Massachusetts. This included 12 with Everett, and three more since taking over at Catholic Memorial in 2018. He’s had multiple athletes reach the NFL.
“He’s up there with the great players I’ve had,” DiBiaso said. “He’s just an awesome combination. A great student going to Harvard, and very sharp. A tremendous football player, and really a top-notch leader.”
Flannery joined the Knights after transferring from Catholic Conference rival BC High prior to last fall.
“Obviously, having Coach Dibs was a big factor,” said Flannery. “Being able to be mentored by him, and being in a program with that kind of pedigree was a huge part of it too. The school welcomed me in, and it felt like a good place for me and my family.”
Almost immediately, the move paid dividends.
“He started his first game last year in the first game of the year,” DiBiaso said. “We won 12 in a row after that.”
Catholic Memorial claimed its third Super Bowl in four seasons on Dec. 5, 2024, cruising to a 39-21 victory over King Philip. That night, Flannery broke things open just prior to half, connecting with Mekhi Dodd for a 37-yard touchdown pass at Gillette. Last year, he completed 92-of-128 passes for 1,628 yards and 22 touchdowns, finishing with a quarterback rating of 126. He added 235 yards rushing with five more scores.
“It felt like it all flew by, honestly,” said Flannery. “I jumped right into it because I didn’t really get an offseason with the team. I was injured in the summer. But it felt great to step into that role, do what was asked, and to win the Super Bowl.”
Flannery opted to commit to Harvard in March. He received numerous offers from other Ivy League programs, along with Davidson.
Flannery chose to make Cambridge his next home for the foreseeable future after giving it much thought, his family being a top priority.
“When I went on my first visit there, I knew that was where I wanted to go right away,” said Flannery. “I fell in love with the campus, and the place itself. Then with it being close to home, I could stay near my mom, my little brothers and sister, it made it perfect. I could still see them grow up along the way. They will be able to come watch me play.”
DiBiaso was proud of Flannery’s decision.
“Harvard is the top university in the world,” DiBiaso said. “He has an opportunity to go there. He’s a Boston kid, staying home, close to his mom and siblings, who are very young. It’s the best of everything for him. I know it will set him up for the next 50 years of his life.”
In four games this year, Flannery has completed 73 percent of his passes (33-for-45) with 640 yards and 11 touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 136. He’s added 228 yards rushing and three more touchdowns to boot. Catholic Memorial has averaged 40.3 points.
“I think the key to success is just being with the team and keeping that bond we have,” said Flannery. “And every day in practice, (we have to) just keep coming in, and working to the best of our ability so that when it’s game time, we’re ready. That bond will carry us through.”
