Roman Catholic’s Defense Starts Fast Fuels win Over Episcopal Academy
Tagged under: District 12, Gameday Hub, News, Non-PIAA
Willie McGonigle | September 9, 2023
NEWTOWN SQUARE: Every coach dreams of a quick start from their team. Friday night Roman Catholic Head Coach Rick Prete got that, but it wasn’t his offense that came out of the gate fast it was his defense, that before their offense could even get on the field gave the visiting Cahillites’ a 12-0 lead on the host Episcopal Academy Churchmen as the Cahillites picked up a convincing 30-14 non-league victory.
“Our defensively definitely set the tone, everyday there’s a level of intensity, a level of detail that our kids play with, and they definitely set the tone and it was on display today.” Prete said.
On the game’s first play from scrimmage the Churchmen appeared to have the momentum with a beautiful 30-yard pass from Na’Rome Rayborn to Jackson Orcutt that put them on the Cahillite 35-yardline. On the next play the momentum quickly changed has Jaaasai Simmond delivered a bone rattling hit that caused the Churchmen runner to lose control of the ball and Luke Van Brill scooped up the ball and went off to the races for the 69-yard touchdown.
“Just making my read and Jaasai makes a great play knocking the ball and I’m the only one around the ball I pick up and I look around and all I see are my guys and open endzone.” Van Brill said adding that “It pumps the defense, whole team up it changes the game.”
Two plays later the Chuchmen again put the ball on the ground and Jahmir Diabara picked it up and raced 40 yards to the endzone to put the Cahillites up 12-0.
“Team effort, my teammates everybody did what we had to do alignment assignment we were in the right spots,” Diabara said of the fumble recovery.
The Cahillite offense finally did get to see the field and when they did, they only need four plays to extend their lead to 18-0 when Sophomore sensation QB Semaj Beals connected with Van Brill for the 22-yard touchdown. Beals ended up throwing for 230 yards and a five yard rushing touchdown which gave the Cahillites the 24-0 halftime lead.
Xavier Kincade added a 30-yard touchdown in the third quarter to put the Cahillites up 30-0.
Defensively the Cahillites shined throughout the night forcing a total of five turnovers and the two scores a Orcutt 30-yard receiving, and a 4-yard Michael Cadden didn’t come until late in the game.
“We came out here to dominate and I’m just proud of my team and my team operated and how disciplined we were tonight. I’m just very proud of us and what we did tonight.” Diabara said of his defense’s performance.
Next week the Cahillites (3-0) continue their tough non-league schedule when they travel to Maryland and take on Dematha Catholic. Episcopal (0-2) will look to get into win column when they travel to the Hill School.
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