Nello Falaschi

Bio

According to all the experts, little Santa Clara was a decided underdog going against Louisiana State in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. However, Santa Clara was led by quarterback, Nello "Flash" Falaschi. The Broncos took the lead against the undefeated LSU Tigers on a Falaschi TD pass. Falaschi later sealed the Bronco victory by recovering a fumble in the end zone for the final Santa Clara score in the 21-14 upset. The victory left Santa Clara with a final 8-1 record with the only loss coming against Sammy Baugh and Texas Christian. Falaschi received first-team All-America recognition following the 1936 season. The All-America Board of Football had this to say about Falaschi: "No coach in the world of football would dare pick another quarterback. Brill & Pinckert may rate with Falaschi in the art of blocking, but no modern player approaches his devastating performance. When needed, he can deliver yardage as a ball carrier, but his vicious blocking and generalship are the factors largely responsible for Santa Clara's season." Falaschi later played professionally with the New York Giants before establishing a construction company in Oakland, California.

Career Highlights

• 1936 First Team All-America