National Media & Showcase Platform
FloridaHigh School Football

Chaminade Outplays Gulliver In Battle Of State Title Contenders

0 Comment057
Email, RSS Follow
Pin It
Print


Hollywood, FL — Playing at home statistically is an advantage for the host team.  For the first time in 2021, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) got to experience the friendly confines of their home stadium in game number six of the regular season.  The hosts did not disappoint the homecoming crowd as the Lions earned a convincing 31-16 win over Gulliver Prep (Miami).  

“I’m happy to finally play at home, it’s been crazy,” said Head Coach Dameon Jones after the game.  “Tonight we started with a little bit more energy just by being home because we did not have to have that bus ride and we did well so I’m happy for them.  And the crowd energy…we packed the house tonight.  I’d rather play at home than on the road any day.”

The road-tested Lions (5-1) defeated Western (Davie), Columbus (Miami), Buford (GA), and Seminole (Sanford) all on the road going into Friday night.  Chaminade’s one loss to American Heritage Plantation, also on the road.  Gulliver (5-1) came into the game undefeated looking to prove that they are among the elite teams in the state.  

But in typical Chaminade fashion, the 2020 3A state runner-ups did it with defense and a powerful running game led by Davion “Bullet” Gause. However, it was junior Duane Thomas that would score two rushing touchdowns that would put this game away. 


“He’s a good running back,” said Gause of Jones.  “He doesn’t really play running back like that, he plays slot receiver.”

It Was Over When…

Thomas broke free for a 54-yard run late in the fourth quarter with 2:39 left.  After 30 carries and 165 yards rushing by Gause, Thomas took over most of the running back duties for the remainder of the game.  Gause cramped up just before scoring in the second half.  

“I tried to score but my leg completely locked up,” said Gause.  

Thomas (2023) finished the drive with a touchdown and the game with 92 yards on 15 carries scoring twice.  The score by Thomas made it a 21-10 game in the third quarter.

Gulliver, a 4A state title contender, made this a game late when Tulane commits Carson Haggard and DeCarlo Donaldson linked up for a ten-yard touchdown with 9:52 left, but could not stop Thomas in crunch time. 

Haggard also connected with Jalen Brown for a 36-yard Raider touchdown in the first half.  The score made it a 14-10 game at the break. 

Big Time Players

Kenyatta Jackson, Defensive End, Chaminade – Two sacks and at times made the Gulliver offensive line look invisible.  

Jamaal Johnson, Defensive Lineman, Chaminade – The UCF commit just manhandled the Gulliver offensive linemen all night.  Also had two sacks.  

Davion Gause, Running Back, Chaminade (featured image) – The sophomore carried his team and defenders for extra yards all night.  Bullet finished with 31 carries, for 164 yards.

Antonio Smith, Defensive Back, Gulliver – Two interceptions and also blocked an extra point that caromed through the uprights.

Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Chaminade – The former Monsignor Pace (Miami) receiver scored two touchdowns in the first half from passes from quarterback Cedric Bailey. 

DeCarlo Donaldson, Wide Receiver, Gulliver –  The senior had some highlight-reel catches in this game including a stunning one-hander in the first half.  Donaldson finished with 10 catches for 134 yards and the touchdown.

Cedric Bailey, Quarterback, Chaminade – The sophomore QB completed 12 of his 28 passes for 131 yards throwing for two touchdown passes.  He added five carries for 61 yards on the ground. 

“Every game he gets better and better, said Coach Jones of Bailey.  “[He’s] been working for us all year.” 

Gulliver suffered its first loss of the season and host Miami Palmetto next week. Chaminade gets another home game against Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale) next Friday.

Stats – Adam Lichtenstein

Share
Florida Statewide Rankings: Fifth Edition Previous post

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.

Related Articles

FloridaHigh School Football October 26, 20240

JV Championship Series: Homestead Outlasts North Miami 26-22

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The Homestead Broncos Junior Varsity Team earned a birth in the inaugural Football Hotbed JV Championship Series Final this week outlasting the North Miami Pioneers 26-22.  It was a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Broncos showcased their resilience and teamwork, coming from behind to secure the victory. The game was marked by impressive plays, with standout performances from both teams.  The game’s overall MVP was 2027 quarterback Jahmir McCall of Homestead High.  The Broncos’ quarterback delivered a stellar performance, throwing two touchdown passes and maintaining composure under pressure. Freshman running back Jermaine Green caught the first touchdown reception out of the backfield and the go-ahead touchdown was secured by 2028 wide receiver Gemani Smith. Meanwhile, the defense held strong during critical moments, thwarting the Pioneers’ advances with key tackles and interceptions.  The game sealing pass deflection was made by 2028 defensive back Leone Leonidas. The Pioneers played an excellent game, especially offensively led by their sophomore quarterback, Chammbrayy Campbell.  He hooked up with North Miami 2027 wide out Michael Cabre to open the game’s scoring.  The post-corner pass was perfect and Cabre made a great adjustment to the ball for the touchdown reception. Overall, the Pioneers couldn’t overcome playing sloppy toward the end of the game as turnovers and penalties killed drives.  They turned the ball over with a fumble into the endzone and had an interception on the 1-yard line on drives that would have probably ended up as scores. On the final drive of the game, the Pioneers were thwarted by the Homestead defense that had bended but not broken all game.  As the Broncos celebrated their hard-fought win, they set their sights on the upcoming final, determined to bring home the championship trophy. The team’s coaches praised the players’ dedication and spirit, acknowledging their hard work and commitment throughout the season. Fans and community members eagerly anticipate the final match, ready to support their team with unwavering enthusiasm.The historic Football Hotbed event for Junior Varsity teams is full-sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) who is enthusiastic about the events promise in years to come.  Homestead will play Miami Central in the championship held this coming week.   Jahmir McCall with the Portal 305 and Olin Cushion, III JV Championship Series Highlights: Check out this amazing pass and catch from @NMPioneer_FB junior varsity standouts 2027 QB CHAMMBRAYY CAMPBELL to WR MICHAEL CABRE #hotbedworld vid by @ChrisFodde @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/aFXfa8zLf6— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Photos: JV Championship Series @HSHBroncos and @NMPioneer_FB made history. #hotbedworld https://t.co/VWfp1x7Npw— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Arties Knight, head JV Football Coach, Homestead High

Florida May 21, 20240

Spring Football Excitement Across South Florida

Follow There has been a tremendous amount of excitement across South Florida the past several weeks as teams have begun wrapping up spring practices and having inter-squad scrimmages and spring games. These scrimmages and games are an early indicator of the skill and talent level each school will look to display come the fall.  Once again, South Florida took the majority of the state’s football championships at the Metro Division level that is now defunct. Columbus, St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade won the 4M, 3M and 1M titles respectively.  Miami Norland finished as the runner up to Tampa’s Berkley Catholic High School.  This spring, established coaches like Southridge’s Pierre Senatus are upbeat about their program’s potential after having a few seasons under his belt.  In juxtaposition, Miami Northwestern’s first year head coach, NFL Veteran Teddy Bridgewater, is working out the kinks after his first intersquad scrimmage and spring game.  Stay with Footballhotbed.com for the developments of this off season across the Southeast. SPRING PRACTICE: Caught up with head coach Pierre Senatus @LifeCoachPierre on the first day of spring practice in year three of his tenure, fresh off a deep playoff run. #hotbedworld @Brandon_Odoi pic.twitter.com/z0u6AQzqjh— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) April 30, 2024 Coach @teddyb_h2o 🗣️NFL Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater in his first appearance as head coach at Miami Northwestern during his school's first spring scrimmage talks organization and effort. #hotbedworld pic.twitter.com/r7oOKmiew7— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) May 5, 2024

Brandon OdoifeatureFlorida April 25, 20240

Under the Radar Spotlight: 2026 LB Demitris Mincey

Follow Fort Lauderdale, FL– The linebacker position is…

Leave a Reply