Archbishop Carroll’s football revival continues with first district title since 2008
Call it a renaissance for Archbishop Carroll’s football team.
And the latest chapter ended in cheers, smiles and some ice water dousings of their coaches.
The Bulldogs continued their resurgence this season by crushing previously Westminster Christian 50-15 on Friday night at Tropical Park Stadium.
Carroll (7-1) clinched the District 8-1M championship and secured its first such title and postseason berth since 2008 when the school made it to the Class 2A regional finals a year after advancing to the state semifinals for the first time.
The Bulldogs, who have been led by the power running of Manny Bynum and Alejandro Isaza, controlled the game on the ground once again and are likely to secure the No. 1 seed in Region 4-1M.
Carroll rushed for 353 yards on 37 carries and scored six touchdowns on the ground. Isaza led the way with 185 yards and four touchdowns on 14 carries. Bynum and Sylus Villanueva each scored one of the other two touchdowns.
Isaza has 937 yards and 17 touchdowns on 91 carries so far this season. Bynum has 749 yards and 10 touchdowns on 65 carries and Villanueva has 294 yards and four touchdowns on 45 carries.
The trio has thrived behind the starting offensive line of left tackle Jake Santovenia, left guard Jacob Acosta, center Jaden Ledo, right guard Gio Reyes, right tackle Pete Almeida and tight ends Roger Soca and Jose Torres, along with backups Carlos Millan and Gio Riadigos.
“The players are some of the most dedicated young men we’ve ever had here,” Carroll coach Jorge Zagales said. “The winning is a by-product of all they do and how they conduct themselves.”
Brandon Miranda and Dylan Miranda have recorded eight sacks each and are among the leaders of the Bulldogs defense along with Kenneth Pembleton (4 interceptions). Jorge Sanchez-Morales leads the team with 57 tackles.
Carroll could potentially face Westminster again in the postseason as the Warriors (7-1) are almost certain at-large qualifiers along with District 7-1M champion True North and likely Palmer Trinity.
This story was originally published October 22, 2022 at 10:25 AM.
