The Rev. Msgr. Matthew V. Peter’s Trophy Game has been played between Cardinal Hayes and Cardinal Spellman high schools for many years. On Saturday, September 27 Spellman hosted the match-up with Hayes to defend their title. Hayes would not go down and through their hard work and determination would come out victorious.
The first half of the game was led by Spellman and Devon Osei. Spellman had extremely strong offense and defense to match. They allowed Hayes to score two TDs, both by Wesley Lawyer, but overall it was all about the Spellman Falcons. Osei had three TDs, which along with another from Durrell Moore had Spellman leading 26-14 at the half.
What happened next was a complete turnaround. Hayes came out for the second half fighting and their defense did not allow Spellman to score once. The third quarter began and saw Kwamayne Davis score almost immediately. This was followed by TDs by Jeremiah Kobena and Bryant McAdoo to put Hayes on top 32-26. They never looked back
The fourth quarter began with the same drive as the third. Hayes would never let Spellman advance on their plays and with another TD by Lawyer they would win the trophy and the game, 40-26.
The two teams sat on the 50-yard line as the coaches exchanged the trophy and Hayes coach, CJ O’Neil spoke to the teams. He went on to commend Spellman’s efforts in that game and as a team overall. Still the Falcons’ heads hung low. “We went into the half on a high note but we lost a few guys and we fell short,” said Spellman coach Joe DiSimone, “I’m going to have to build their confidence back up.”
“We stepped it up and took control,” said O’Neil, “We played exceptional Cardinal Hayes football.” He went on to say that the boys executed techniques perfectly and that when push came to shove they took advantage of their given opportunities. He also made note of Lawyer’s exceptional performance. “It’s great that we have the trophy back, especially in my senior year,” said Lawyer who is hoping to use his performance on the field and in the classroom to get into Rutgers this fall. “We’ll go all the way if we continue to play and work hard.”
