The St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy football team secured a commanding victory against St. Francis High School, clinching a 42-15 win in their Angelus League opener on October 6, 2023. The game was marked by an impressive defensive performance from PMA, which intercepted St. Francis’ star quarterback, Shawn Sanders, five times throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Sanders showcased his skills, finishing with over 130 yards and a touchdown. His coach, Dean Herrington, expressed optimism for Sanders’ future performances, stating, “Four of the interceptions weren’t his fault at all. He’s gonna be good. It’s tough. This was his first game, but he did a lot of really, really good things, and we’re gonna get better.”
Herrington’s confidence in Sanders was evident from the start of the game. Following PMA’s opening touchdown, Sanders led the Golden Knights down the field, culminating in a dramatic 12-yard touchdown run where he leaped over a defender. This play energized the team and the fans, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.
Defensive Dominance and Momentum Shifts
The Golden Knights temporarily seized momentum when defensive back Oliver Knoh intercepted a pass at midfield, positioning St. Francis for a potential scoring drive. However, PMA’s defense quickly stifled their efforts, demonstrating their ability to adapt under pressure.
As the clock wound down in the first half, PMA appeared poised to reclaim the lead. They executed a successful goal-line stand, preventing St. Francis from advancing past midfield. With just one minute remaining, quarterback Jassi Williams connected with Gregory Taylor for a 43-yard touchdown pass, granting PMA a 14-7 lead at halftime.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as St. Francis finally took the lead in the third quarter. Running back Elijah Wilson scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 15-14. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, this would be their last score of the night.
PMA’s Late Surge Secures the Win
PMA responded fiercely in the fourth quarter, scoring four unanswered touchdowns and solidifying their victory. Williams emerged as a standout performer, contributing significantly to the second-half efforts with two touchdowns.
Reflecting on the game, Herrington lamented the missed opportunities. “We just shot ourselves in the foot. Not tackling and not doing basic things offensively. That is very, very disappointing,” he noted.
St. Francis will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against St. Paul, who are also seeking their first win of the season after suffering a loss to Cathedral. The Golden Knights remain focused on improving their performance as the season progresses.
