By Joseph Staszewski
Joshua Evans hadn’t played since hurting his hand against Stepinac three weeks ago, but the junior delivered when given the chance to revive the Knights’ season.
Evans, the starter when the year began, came off the bench in the second half to throw two touchdown passes to help lead the Knights to a 20-14 double overtime victory over the Flyers in a CHSFL game last Sunday at Bayside Athletic Complex.
“We felt we had to throw the ball a little bit and Josh gives us that,” Holy Cross coach Tom Pugh said.
The two teams headed into the extra session tied at 7-7 after Evans answered a Chaminade score with a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ahmed Bah. The Flyers had a chance to win in the closing seconds of regulation with a field goal, but the Knights defense blocked it.
Evans connected again with Bah for a score in the first overtime, but Chaminade (2-4, 1-3) responded with a touchdown of its own to tie the score at 14-14. The Knights’ defense then made the play of the game as Stephen Barongi and Co. stopped the Flyers on the fourth down from the 12-yard line. Nick Austin also recovered two fumbles.
A pass to Bah eventually set up the wining touchdown run by Chris Manfre. The effort provided Holy Cross (2-4, 2-2) with its second straight win and put it back in the ‘AAA’ playoff picture.
“This was big for us,” Pugh said. “This would have put us in a bad situation if we didn’t win this.”
Christ the King 50, Nazareth 16: David Navas went 7 of 10 passing for 164 and three touchdowns for Christ the King (4-2, 3-0). Marcus Layne caught two passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Jamen Williams carried the ball 11 times for 118 yards and two scores. Kareem Davis and Terrell Miller each added touchdown grabs.
Bayside 32, Grady 20: Charles Flug completed 13 of 23 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns for Bayside (6-1). Tyrell Plaza compiled 154 yards and two touchdowns on six catches. Elijah Walcott and Jason Benton each had touchdown grabs.
Petrides 14, Springfield Gardens 8: Christopher Clarke carried the ball six times for 52 yards and a touchdown for Springfield Gardens (1-5). Carl Julia Coleman rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries. Tyler Ervin recorded a safety.
Information Technology 26, Alfred E. Smith 6: Jean Claude Previlon ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries for Information Technology (2-4). He also picked up two interceptions. Nicholas Suda compiled 130 yards of total offense, tossed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Justin Sanchez and also ran for a score. Kevin Campbell made 10 tackles including three sacks.
Stuyvesant 26, Far Rockaway 6: Bryan Williams returned a kick 78 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter for Far Rockaway (2-4). Dashaun Royal carried the ball seven times for 88 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards.
Bryant 16 Fredrick Douglass 8: Jovon Hooks Williams carried the ball 12 times for 101 yards and a touchdown and John Duru rushed for 100 yards and a score on nine carries for Bryant (3-2).
Boys & Girls 32, Beach Channel 0: Darren Koomson compiled 105 yards of total offense for Beach Channel (0-6). Lawrence Binger made 12 tackles and Jose Guadalupe recovered a fumble.
