UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Bishop Eustace triumphed over Holy Cross Prep with a decisive 28-12 victory at Allison Field in Pennsauken, showcasing a remarkable comeback fueled by turnovers and strategic plays.
This game took a pivotal shift just seconds into the second half when Colin Boyle intercepted a pass on the first play, igniting a surge that led to the go-ahead points. His crucial play not only changed the momentum but also allowed Bishop Eustace to score a staggering 22 points off turnovers in the second half alone.
Initially, Holy Cross Prep had seized control, leading 12-0 thanks to a 12-yard touchdown pass from Shane Reilley to Anthony D’Ambrosio and a 2-yard sneak by Reilley. However, a fumble during a red-zone trip proved costly. Although a late touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Eric Beach to Tommy Dromgoole kept hope alive, the tide turned dramatically after halftime.
“I saw the wide receiver coming across and I saw the quarterback throw it up, so I knew I had to go get that interception,” Boyle stated. His play ignited a 50-yard drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run by Roman Faiola, giving Bishop Eustace a 14-12 lead—a moment they would not relinquish.
Bishop Eustace coach Sal Racobaldo praised his team’s execution, stating, “Physically, we thought we were beating them up, and we wore them down in the second half.” This proved true as Bishop Eustace dominated the clock, running 26 plays and scoring three touchdowns in just over 12 minutes of possession in the second half.
The game continued to unravel for Holy Cross Prep as they fumbled the ensuing kickoff, allowing Bishop Eustace to capitalize once again. Beach connected with Portobianco for a 22-yard gain, leading to another score. As the game progressed, it became clear that Holy Cross could not overcome their mistakes.
Bishop Eustace (4-1 overall, 4-0 in United Division play) now looks to maintain their momentum with upcoming challenges against Wildwood and KIPP Cooper Norcross, both teams currently undefeated in their division.
In contrast, Holy Cross Prep (4-3 overall, 3-1 in United Division play) faces a tough week of preparation ahead of their matchup against KIPP. Coach T.J. Maderia acknowledged the impact of the turnovers, stating, “You can’t lose the turnover battle and expect to win. But it’s football, right? It’s a marathon season.”
As both teams regroup, the spotlight remains on Bishop Eustace’s remarkable turnaround, highlighting their resilience and strategic prowess. Fans eagerly await what lies ahead in this competitive season.
