Photo by Mike Longo Jr.
Crusaders running back Marquis Carter heads downfield on his way to eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing for the season to date.-CLASS A-
By Mike Longo Jr.
It took almost a year for the rematch many have been waiting for, however, the outcome for half of the interested parties was not what they had envisioned.
This one could have been billed as one for the ages, 7-1 OLSH versus 7-1 Bishop Canevin in a replay of last year’s WPIAL Championship game. In that contest, the Crusaders clobbered the Chargers 42-7 at then what was known as Heinz Field claiming the 2021 title.
Fast forward to 2022 and much of the same on this Saturday evening in East Carnegie.
In dominant fashion, Bishop Canevin destroyed OLSH by a final of 40-0 in a game that was never in doubt from the onset and clinching first place in the conference. OLSH played without star Quarterback Azeem Nehemiah who was injured during pre-game warm-ups.
Many in attendance believe the outcome would have been much different. His replacement, Dorrien Tate Jr., couldn't crack the Crusaders’ vaunted defense as he was later injured and forced to leave the contest.
Much like last year’s championship game, the Crusaders struck early and often opening the scoring on a 40-yard pass from Quarterback Jason Cross to Tyjer Carter and never looking back. It was all Crusaders after that.
Az'Jaun Marshall took a hand-off and scampered 23 yards to paydirt and a 14-0 Bishop Canevin lead and the rout was on. Bishop Canevin enjoyed a 14-0 cushion after the first quarter.
Cross would plunge in from one yard out, followed by Xavier Nelson's 65-yard punt return for a score, and Cross once again scored from one yard out.
That touchdown gave the Crusaders a comfortable 34-0 lead at intermission.
After a scoreless third quarter, Crusaders Matthew Mickle took a hand-off and raced 73 yards for a touchdown and the game's final score.
Bishop Canevin star Runningback Marquis Carter eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season with plenty of time left this year to add to that total.
For the evening, Jason Cross was four of 11 passing while netting 103 yards and a touchdown.
On the rushing side, Marquis Carter had 15 carries for 103 yards and teammate Matthew Mickle added 90 yards on just three attempts. Bishop Canevin moves to 8-1 on the season, while OLSH drops to 7-2.
You never know as these two could run into each other again in the playoffs. Could the third time be a charm for the Chargers? Only time will tell.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Bishop Canevin Quarterback Jason Cross passed for 103 total yards
Bishop Canevin Runningback Marquis Carter rushed for 90 yards pushing season total to 1,000 yards
OLSH Quarterback Azeem Nehemiah was injured during pregame warm ups and was replaced by Dorrien Tate Jr.