Half Moon Bay witnessed an impressive performance by Maxime Morelle as he led Sacred Heart Prep to a 37-27 victory over Half Moon Bay in a non-league football match on September 11, 2025. The senior athlete showcased his versatility on the field, excelling both as a thrower in track events and as a dynamic player in football, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Morelle’s contributions were multifaceted during the game. He passed for a touchdown, returned an interception for another, and rushed for 91 yards on 14 carries. His interception, which he returned 69 yards for a touchdown, was pivotal in shifting the momentum of the game. After the score was tied at 7-7, Morelle’s defensive play helped Sacred Heart Prep score 30 consecutive points in the second half, establishing a commanding lead that ultimately secured the win.
Key Moments and Strategies
The game began with Sacred Heart Prep taking an early lead. Morelle’s first significant play came on a third-down toss that resulted in an eight-yard run. As the Cougars’ defense anticipated another run, he surprised them with a pass to teammate Nathan Fox, connecting for a 52-yard touchdown that put Sacred Heart Prep ahead 7-0.
Head coach Mark Grieb praised Morelle’s all-around abilities, describing him as “an animal” who excels in various aspects of the game. The Gators’ strategy was tailored to counter Half Moon Bay’s aggressive defense, known for its relentless blitzing. Grieb noted that the team’s success was rooted in making the right calls and adjustments on the field.
Following a well-executed hook-and-lateral play that tied the game for Half Moon Bay, Morelle’s interception changed the course of the match. The Cougars had tied the score just before halftime when quarterback Paxton Holden connected with teammates Will Wimsett and Brandon Melo for a rapid touchdown. Yet, Morelle’s defensive instincts allowed him to intercept Holden’s pass early in the second half, giving Sacred Heart Prep a crucial 20-7 lead.
Standout Performances
In addition to Morelle’s contributions, Fox emerged as a key player for Sacred Heart Prep, catching five passes for 137 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He also successfully kicked a field goal of 27 yards. Defensively, linebacker Madyn Misra excelled with two sacks, bolstering the team’s performance.
Despite the defeat, Half Moon Bay remained resilient. Paxton Holden displayed remarkable poise, completing 11 of 25 passes for 161 yards and throwing for two touchdowns. He also rushed for 151 yards, demonstrating his ability to adapt within the team’s double wing formations.
Holden’s father, Keith Holden, who recently returned to his role as head coach, commended his son’s determination, noting that even when the team faced challenges, he continued to push forward and make impactful plays.
As Sacred Heart Prep improves to a record of 2-1 following this victory, both teams look ahead to their future matchups, each with valuable lessons learned from this intense game.
