Unlucky Call Dooms Lions As Chiefs Escape With Win

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Marcus Benjamin

Hollywood, FL — Friday the 13th is known for weird occurrences.  In this edition of the day, defending 3A state champion Chaminade-Madonna hosted Miami Carol City in a game that would come down to the final possession in a 14-13 game.  On 4th and 1 in Lion territory, the Chiefs were looking to seal the game with a conversion, but senior running back Tywan Cash was pushed back behind the line of scrimmage. 

Mysteriously the refs indicated a first down and Chaminade Head Coach Dameon Jones was beside himself.

“Everybody in the stadium knew it was short,” said Jones.  “The referees saw something different.”  

Carol City Head Coach Josh Taylor believed the call was a result of forward progress.

“It’s forward progress,” Taylor said with a chuckle.  “He ran hard and deserved every yard that he got.”

It was fitting that the game came down to a defensive stop as both teams minimized the production from the opposing offenses.  Cash, however, was king as he rushed for 132 yards on 23 carries and scored two touchdowns. The 2020 back scored the eventual game-winner with a strong run through the middle of the line for a 19-yard touchdown mid-third quarter.  Cash stepped in for junior running backs Katravis Jeter and Darius Chester who sat out with injuries.  

“Anybody that knows Carol City knows that we’re deep in the backfield,” said Chiefs Head Coach Josh Taylor.  “Tywan, it was his turn, he stepped up majorly and I’m proud of him. He’s been through a lot this year and I’m so happy for him. Sky’s the limit for that kid.”

Tywan Cash, RB, Miami Carol City

Things did not start as planned for the Chiefs.  On their first possession of the game, the Lions forced a three-and-out and forced a Chiefs punt.  The Carol City punter caught a low snap on the ground and unfortunately his knee was on the ground when he caught the football.  Chaminade took over at the spot where the knee touched in the red zone and Miami commit Thaddius Franklin ended the ensuing drive with a two-yard touchdown run.  Franklin one of the premier running backs in South Florida was held well under one hundred yards rushing by the Carol City defense.

“I’ve known [Franklin] since optimist days and he has always been a hard runner,” said Taylor.  “For them to come in and come to the challenge of taking him on, I’m very proud of those guys.”

Chaminade would add an Andy Borregales 32-yard field goal to their total after Auburn commit Elijah Canion broke free for a 52-yard catch and run.  The Chiefs would counter however with a Cash one-yard touchdown run to make it a 10-7 game going into halftime. 

The odd plays continued with the opening second-half kickoff as Carol City recovered an unintentional onside kick.  On a windy night, the Chiefs kick went straight up into the air and died straight down to the ground. Carol City recovered and could smell their opportunity to take the lead.  The Lions, however, would hold on the drive on 4th down forcing a turnover on downs at the two-yard line.

After a CC defensive stop, the Chiefs would march down the field again and Cash-in with the Cash touchdown run. The Lions would add another field goal from the Miami commit Borregales but this would be closest the home team would get to a victory. 

Chaminade defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. gave his team a chance with an interception at the goal late in the game but Maxeau Joseph countered with an interception of his own that would halt Chaminade’s final drive.

“Max is a heck of a kid,” said Taylor.  “He’s an outstanding DB. He can even play receiver if we need him.  He had a hell of a game today and I’m proud of him as well.”

Carol City went into victory formation and escaped with the one-point win.  The Chiefs get to (2-2) and travel to Jacksonville to take on another 3A title contender in Trinity Christian.  Chaminade (3-1) travels to Delray to take on Atlantic next Friday.  

“A win is a win we’ll take it.  However it comes we love it.”

About Marcus Benjamin

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.
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