Week 9 Game of the Week: Cathedral Catholic Dons 35, St. Augustine Saints 14
The 56th edition of the annual Holy Bowl did not lack for drama as the Cathedral Catholic Dons overcame a slow start and overwhelmed St. Augustine in a 35-14 win.
St. Augustine got off to a quick start and early lead on the second offensive play of the game.
Junior running back Byron Cardwell ran through a big hole on the right side of the offensive line and outraced the defense 80 yards for an explosive touchdown and a 7-0 Saints lead.
Cathedral struggled to move the ball with any effectiveness and the Saints took advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Angelo Peraza threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jalil Tucker to make it 14-0.
Cathedral was only able to muster a pair of Trevor Wahl field goals to keep within striking distance and trailed 14-6 at the half.
The news only got worse for the Dons when, late in the third quarter, quarterback D.J. Ralph scrambled for a 14-yard gain but fell awkwardly on his right elbow and injured his collarbone and ending his night.
On the next play, backup quarterback Charlie Mirer pitched the ball to Zavien Watson, who carried it 48 yards for a touchdown drawing the Dons within two 14-12.
After forcing the Saints to punt, Dee’Shonn Swafford returned it 40 yards to the 8-yard line setting up Watson for a 1-yard touchdown and a 20-14 Cathedral lead. Watson scored two more times in the fourth quarter from 6 yards and 30 yards out respectively.
Cathedral went on to a 35-14 win led by Watson who carried the ball 29 times for 278 yards and four touchdowns.
The Dons defense held the Saints offense to just two first downs and 40 total yards in the second half. Cathedral improved to 8-1 and has a bye next week before finishing the regular season at Lincoln.
St. Augustine fell to 6-2 and will host Madison next week.
