COCONUT CREEK — Despite racking up 439 yards of total offense and 35 points, Chaminade-Madonna turned to the defense to close out the game.
With the Cougars driving deep into Lions territory to try and tie the game, Curtis Janvier intercepted James Hayes’ pass at the 10-yard line with 36 seconds remaining, clinching Chaminade-Madonna’s 35-27 win over Coconut Creek.
“We’ve been in dogfights all year and they never wavered, that’s just how we are. I wasn’t worried at the end, I just wanted to get it over,” said Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones. “Our coaches put Janvier in perfect positions to make plays. He lines up right, he studies game film all week… he knows.”
Chaminade (6-0) looked like it was going to cruise to another easy victory, taking a 35-14 lead right at the end of the third quarter, but the Cougars would not give up and when Damaine Wilson returned an interception for a touchdown, the momentum had shifted.
Coconut Creek forced the Lions to punt and then capped a 12-play drive with a Semaj Wallace 14-yard touchdown reception to put the Cougars down one score.
The Cougars converted two fourth downs on that drive, including a controversial pass interference call. Chaminade did its best to run out the clock, but was stopped on 4th and 2 when it came up short by inches. Coconut Creek once again converted another fourth down to keep its hopes alive, but Janvier’s pick sealed the deal for the Lions.
Chaminade broke out to a 21-0 lead behind the running of Jaquari Lewis, who had 152 of his 166 yards rushing in the first half. Cedrick Bailey also hooked up with Jeremiah Smith for a 23-yard score and Joshisa Trainer for a 12-yard touchdown in the first half.
“Our offensive line got better this week and that opened up some holes. Davion Gause is going to be out a couple weeks, so they have to pick up the load,” added Jones.
The Cougars (4-2) finally got on the board late in the second quarter when Hayes found Djovani Dominique for a 69-yard touchdown.
Coconut Creek opened the third quarter by marching down the field and when Hayes found Eirik Simmons for a 22-yard touchdown, it was suddenly a one-score game.
But the Lions offense couldn’t be stopped on their next two series as Trader hauled in his second TD of the night — a 34-yard reception — and then Arwin Jackson scored from 13 yards out to give the Lions a commanding 35-14 lead.
“With the receivers they have and the quarterback they have, I knew they were going to make plays. They have great offensive players, but our goal was to force them to run. For the most part we had them, but we missed some tackles and it just didn’t play out in our favor,” said Coconut Creek coach Johnnie Sloan. “Our goal by putting them on the schedule, we are preparing for a playoff game. We needed to be battle-tested. Win, lose or draw I needed this, so I can be prepared for November.”