St. Anthony football coach Mario Morales was prepared for his team to get its first win any way that it could–and it ended up being one of the crazier finishes imaginable, with St. Anthony prevailing 31-28 over Gahr.
The Saints (1-3) were trailing 28-23 with the ball and a little over three minutes on the clock. They ran the ball heavily all drive, converting several third downs and a fourth down, reaching the Gladiator red zone and eventually moving to the one-yard line, where Xavier Hernandez rushed towards the end zone. The ball was punched out and bounced over the goal line, where Hernandez’s Saints teammate Jaden Cabs was able to fall on it for the game-winning score.
“It was meant to be,” said Morales. “It was great effort, especially by our young guys.”
The Saints overcame several injuries including to their starting quarterback. Blake Banks had an interception return for a touchdown, and Adrian Magania had three sacks in the win.
St. Anthony quarterback Lucas Lehmar was 16/30 for 172 yards, a passing and a rushing touchdown. Hernandez rushed for 158 yards on 24 carries, and also had a touchdown reception.
St. Anthony hosts Agoura next week at Clark Field.
