When Gulliver Prep led Chaminade 19-7 with less than four minutes left in the second half Saturday at Sean Taylor Memorial Field, most thought that they could predict the way the rest of the game would go. However, with 45 seconds left before halftime, the game took a dramatic turn.

A one-hour weather delay turned out to be the momentum-changer, ending Gulliver's reign and allowing Chaminade to regroup and rally to a 41-26 victory .

The Lions (6-0, 4-0 District 8-2B) outscored Gulliver 34-7 in the second half, getting a major spark from its running game, churning out 196 of their 251 rushing yards in the final two quarters.

Chaminade coach Tim Tyrell said that lightning delay was the key to the win.

``It was huge -- it was like a God send,'' Tyrell said. ``We came out very flat and probably a little big-headed, plus Gulliver was very prepared for the game. So that delay allowed us to really pick the guys up and make some adjustments, and I think our guys got rejuvenated.''

Lions senior running back Charles Takeh had a big turnaround after the delay, gaining 87 of his game-high 147 rushing yards after the stoppage. Takeh also scored two touchdowns, along with setting up the go-ahead touchdown with a 64-yard scamper.

The Lions took a 21-19 lead on a 3-yard run by quarterback Jerrard Randall, but on the ensuing kickoff, Gulliver responded with a 76-yard kickoff return for a score by Tocoi Sumler. Though it was Sumler's third score of the day, it was the only points the Raiders scored in the second half.

Chaminade responded with a big play as Randall connected with Curt Evans for a 72-yard touchdown pass, giving the Lions the lead for good. Randall finished the game with 251 total yards (189 passing and 62 rushing) and four touchdowns.

``I don't know what was going on with us in the first half,'' Takeh said. ``During the delay, I talked to the offensive line and told them that we cannot lose this game. And everybody responded, and we won.''

Gulliver (4-2, 2-1), which retired Sean Taylor's No. 1 jersey at halftime, took the early lead thanks to the duo of Sumler and quarterback Michael Strauss. Strauss connected with Sumler for two scores early, including a 45-yard strike across the middle to give the Raiders a 13-0 lead.

Strauss finished the game 18 of 35 for 224 yards with two scores and two touchdowns.

With the win, Chaminade takes a strong command of the eight-team district, having defeated Gulliver and Monsignor Pace (4-2, 3-1).

Takeh said that he and his teammates are confident going ahead in district play.

``We feel like this is our district,'' Takeh said. ``We've been working hard since January and we know what we can do and we feel like everything goes through us.''

• Goleman 54 Westland Hialeah 14: The Gators (3-3, 0-2) defeated the Wildcats (2-5, 1-1) on Saturday night at Ted Hendricks Stadium. Goleman amassed 521 yards on the ground. Senior Oscar Enriquez led the Gators with 261 yards rushing on 13 carries with four touchdowns. He also added an interception on defense. Senior Jorge Sanchez contributed 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Westland sophomore quarterback Alexi Campoverde led the Wildcats, going 13 for 25 for 197 yards and an interception. Wide receiver Denis Wuscovi had five catches for 122 yards.

``We had a good, hard week of practice. I was impressed with the way we played as well. They are a very well-coached football team,'' said Goleman coach Leonard Patrick. ``With the ball bouncing our way and a little bit of luck, we could end up with a very respectable conference record.''

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