by 
NDCL came to Don Shula Stadium tonight with something to prove. In a decisive 31-13 over Benedictine, they proved they were a much stronger team than the 14 seasons of losses against Benedictine prior to this game.
NDCL did everything right tonight. In the first quarter, Brady Capel executed a long reception of 58 yards to Casey McInnerney for a touchdown. With the extra point secured by Eli Lauric, the score was 7-0.
During the rest of the first quarter, Benedictine was looking for a controlled game. NDCL wasn’t going to let them have it. Kayden Forte of Benedictine had several strong rushing plays, but it wasn’t enough.
In the second quarter, NDCL player Carmen Cirino intercepted a pass and ran it back 80 yards for another touchdown, setting the score at 14-0. The Bengals would have to work to turn the momentum in their favor.
The Lions had possession of the ball and were working their way down the field. Forced to punt at 4th down, the ball was fielded by Antowine Smith, who ran down the field into the endzone for a touchdown. It was an exciting 70-yard punt return.
With 4:23 remaining in the half, the Lions were leading 14-7.
Robby Lipowski, a triple-threat running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, showed his speed on first down. He ran from the Lions 29-yard line to the Bengals 43-yard line to keep the Lions in control of the game.
And they did. With 1:06 left in the half, there was a 71-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Capel to Berschig, putting the score at 21-7.
As the first half drew to a close, Benedictine was looking weak. Several incomplete passes from Iacampo showed they just couldn’t connect.
Their big moment came when they needed it most. The Bengals scored a touchdown on an explosive play by Forte with 5:31 remaining in the third quarter. The 55-yard drive was aided by a 4th & 11 penalty against the Lions. It was Forte’s sixth touchdown of the season.
The Lions combatted the Bengals momentum with a touchdown of their own by Robby Lipowski for his second rushing touchdown of the season. The score was now 28-13 with 3:07 on the clock.
The Bengals offensive line was starting to look fatigued. The Lions continued to stay energetic after a near-touchdown (due to an illegal formation), while the Bengals looked defeated.
The Lions cleared the uprights from 20 yards out with 7:04 to go. The score was now 31-13.
NDCL was previously 2-12 all-time against Benedictine. Now, they have secured their long-awaited victory.
Players of the Game:
Running Back Robby Lipowski of NDCL had 12 carries for 51 yards and one touchdown.
Running Back Kayden Forte of Benedictine had 30 carries for 195 yards and one touchdown.
