This article was written by Alex Becker, class of 2019.
The Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Patriots on Friday night with a 24-14 victory on the Patriots’ senior night. The Class 5A division rivals put up a close one, staying in theme after a triple-overtime one point difference in the last matchup.
The Chiefs took an early 7-0 lead after an opening drive 10-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Nik Scalzo to sophomore wide receiver Troy Stellato. The ensuing drive by the Patriots lasted only a play after a fumble on their own 17-yard line. The Chiefs took advantage of the short field with a rush up the gut from junior running back Tajae Davis to put the Chiefs up 14-0.
The Patriots wouldn’t find points until the last 33 seconds of the first quarter. Junior quarterback Edwin Rhodes found senior wideout Douglas Emilien for a 38-yard touchdown score to bring the Pats back into it now only down 14-7.
A 12-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Lavelton WIlliams with a little over five minutes in the half, evened the score at 14 a piece.
The Chiefs took a 17-14 lead midway through the third on a 25-yard field goal from senior kicker Daton Montiel.
The Patriots found themselves inside the redzone with under a minute to play in the game, in position to win or force overtime. However, a tipped pass from Rhodes was picked off by senior safety Sidney Porter and returned 73 yards to the endzone, sealing the victory for the Chiefs.
Photos by Joanne Haner
