Carol City’s defense produces difference-making takeaways in win over Monsignor Pace

Even though the Carol City offense struggled all night long to move the ball against a tough Monsignor Pace defense, it didn’t matter.

The Chiefs defense came up with two big plays just 90 seconds apart right before halftime that proved to be the difference as Carol City emerged a 13-8 winner on Friday night at Monsignor Pace High School.

Carol City safety Jaheem Guillaume got what defenders call the “trifecta” when he came free on a blitz to sack Pace quarterback James Hayes, stripped the ball, scooped it up and headed 35 yards to the end zone for a 6-0 Chiefs lead 2:05 before halftime.

Just a minute and a half later, the Chiefs defense did it again, when defensive tackle Jamal Rowell sacked Hayes causing a fumble, scooped it up and was off to the races for a 48 yard score to make it 13-0 at the half.

In addition to the two scoop-and-scores, the Carol City defense was stellar all night completely shutting down the Pace offense. The lone exception came just one play after the Pace defense sacked Carol City quarterback Max Civil for a safety on the first play of the fourth quarter.

After a long runback on the ensuing free kick set the Spartans up at the Chiefs 33, Hayes dropped back and found Danny Horne Jr. wide open for a 33 yard score. The ensuing two-point conversion failed leaving Pace down by five.

The Spartans last gasp came when they reached the Carol City 40 with four minutes left. But the Chiefs defense was up to the task again as another sack of Hayes caused a fumble and Germaine Carter fell on the loose ball with 3:21 left.

Carol City ran out the remaining time to secure the win and snap a three game losing streak, improving to 2-3 and 1-2 in District 13-2M. It marked the third straight loss to Pace which saw its record dip to 2-4 and 0-3 in district.