Nagging injuries and lack of offensive yardage led to the demise of the Holy Cross High School football team in the Catholic High School Football League’s (CHSFL) playoffs.
The 28-7 loss to the St. Anthony High School team (9-1) meant it was the end of the road for the third seeded Knights (7-3). On Saturday, November 14, the rain-soaked fans in South Huntington gutted it out through the treacherous weather to watch these two gritty high school teams test each other for a chance to inch closer to the championship.
The Knights’ star receiver, Devon Cajuste, was on the sideline with crutches after suffering a sprained knee Thursday night while running routes in practice. This was a huge offensive loss for the team, but the problems did not stop there.
During the first half of the game, Holy Cross lineman Chris Brathwaite took a devastating shot to the knee, which forced him out of them game and onto the bench.
“Our team was in shock after the loss of Chris,” said Holy Cross coach Tom Pugh. “The team’s defense turned into Swiss cheese right after.”
The lack of a defensive presence on the field left holes in the line and, as a result, the Knights quarterback, Dean Marlowe, was sacked eight times during the loss.
St. Anthony’s senior quarterback Tommy Schreiber and his team scored on four consecutive drives in the first half of the game – including a 57-yard touchdown run from the quarterback on the third possession of the game.
Holy Cross’ only positive offensive movement came in the first quarter on a 50-yard run by Devante Bryant.
The game was stalled at a 28-7 lead for St. Anthony at the half.
Pugh tried to inflate some life into his team with an optimistic halftime speech – this only worked on one end of the field.
In the second half, the Knights blanked St. Anthony. They also did not have much left in the tank for themselves.
“We just didn’t have enough answers,” Pugh said. “[St. Anthony] just had more depth than us . . . simple as that.”
The Knights took the loss in stride knowing they gave it their all and had a magnificent season nonetheless.
“I told them all at the end of the game that I was truly proud of them and the work they did this season,” Pugh said.
Holy Cross will lose some pivotal players when the seniors graduate this year, but the team looks forward to a strong showing next season.
