Prep Talk

Hermits Football Team Wins CAL National Title

Posted November 23rd, 2012

 

The Hermits Football team won its inaugural Thanksgiving Day game against the Cedar Creek Pirates in dramatic fashion Thursday afternoon. The Hermits and the Pirates were the only two undefeated teams in the Cape-Atlantic League National conference going in to the Thanksgiving Day game, and regulation was not enough time to separate the two. The game was tied at 34-34 when the final whistle blew, signaling the start of overtime.

The overtime rules of NJSIAA high school football are similar to the NCAA: Each team is guaranteed a possession, which begins on the opponent’s 25 yard line. The Pirates won the coin toss in overtime and elected to play on offense first. The Pirates scored shortly thereafter, behind the tough running of quarterback Damon Mitchell. The Pirates, however, failed to convert the extra point attempt. All that was left for the Hermits to do was drive 25 yards for a touchdown and convert the subsequent point-after-touchdown for the win. Calvin Cass carried the ball on all five offensive plays for the Hermits in overtime, scoring from 7 yards out on his fifth carry. On the deciding play of the game, junior Kyle Snow’s successful PAT kick was waived off because the Pirates had too many men on the field. Snow was forced to kick the extra point a second time. Again, Snow made the kick. The players rushed the field in celebration of the win. The Hermits finish the season 8-2, as the Cape-Atlantic League National Conference champions.

Photo: Junior Austin Francisco competes for a ball in the endzone of Thursday’s game (photo courtesy of Edward Lea, Press of Atlantic City).