The St. Pius X Golden Lions drove down the field after holding Grady to an early three-and-out and and managed to put a field goal on the board. For a while, it looked like that might be enough. Coach Paul Standard’s Golden Lions came away with several turnovers and looked to be in control until Marcus Caffey took a handoff and churned 70 yards for a touchdown, running out of his right shoe in the process.
A blocked field goal allowed Grady to take a 7-3 lead to halftime and Coach Ronnie Millan knew that Pius would make some adjustments. Once again early in the half, Pius took advantage of several Grady penalties to drive down for a field goal to cut the Grady lead to 7-6.
Then the defenses took over. Grady would force a fumble then St. Pius would come away with an interception. Then Grady would force a three-and-out. The two defenses combined to force turnovers on three consecutive drives and Pius would blow a golden opportunity at the end of the third quarter, fumbling inside the redzone.
When Grady needed a big play on defense, the Knights came away with an interception that allowed the offense to then convert several first downs to run out the clock. Following the win, Coach Millan was doused in water by his happy players before confirming that his team will wash this game away and focus on next week’s opponent, despite being in the driver’s seat for a region title. Coach Standard meanwhile admitted that his team will have to regroup in a tough region but could take care of business and still find themselves in the playoffs.
Both of these teams will be a force come playoff time if the defenses play this way for the rest of the season. As the two coaches departed, Standard wished Millan good luck. Millan in turn reminded Standard that if the Golden Lions continue to play the brand of defense it did tonight, they will meet again in the playoffs.
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