Blanche Ely sweeps Dillard in consecutive weeks to advance to regional semifinals

When the scoreboard was illuminated an hour before kickoff it still read Blanche Ely 33, Dillard 28 from last week’s Soul Bowl.

Unknown at the time, was whether it was an omen or a curse for either of the same two teams playing in a Class 3M regional quarterfinal on Friday.

In the long history of these storied programs that began in 1952, Ely became the first to defeat the other twice in the same year following a 35-12 victory.

The Tigers, who now lead the series 28-26-1 also won last year’s regional quarterfinal matchup against the Panthers 19-14.

Sophomore quarterback Gary Hadley Jr. was the Tigers catalyst with three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The defense was also stellar with three interceptions and a fumble recovery.

The Tigers (9-2) will face four-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in a regional semifinal game next Friday at Aquinas. The Raiders won last year’s regional semifinal against the Tigers 35-7.

“Defensively we did a really good job,” Blanche Ely coach Michael Bradley said. “Tonight was history beating Dillard twice in the same season. It’s great adding this to our historic run that we’ve had over the last two years.

“Hadley played well tonight. Overall, he’s still young and going through some growing pains. It’s a powerhouse in the making if we keep building.”

Hadley put the exclamation point to the victory with his third scoring pass, a 10-yard strike to Elijah D’oleo late in the fourth quarter.

“I felt great tonight to beat Dillard again,” said Hadley. “I had some ups and downs through the game but pushed through it. We have work to do with St. Thomas next week.”

The Panthers (5-6) had cut the Tigers lead to 28-12 following a one-yard run by Anthony Carey with 4:38 left to play.

Ely’s other sophomore quarterback Omari McNeal had a six-yard scoring run that complete an 87-yard drive that built the lead to 28-6.

The Tigers took advantage of another Dillard turnover after Marquis Harvey interception at the Panthers 10. Three plays later Hadley scored on a three-yard run for a 21-6 lead.

Ely took a 14-6 lead as time expired in the first half when junior wide receiver Michael Warren hauled a 25-yard pass from Hadley for the touchdown.

The 55-yard scoring drive was set up when Dillard was stopped on a fourth down and one at the Ely 45.

Dillard took the early lead at 6-0 on it opening drive of the game.

The Panthers drove 70 yards on 11 plays with junior quarterback Nylan Maine throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Striggles.

Ely would make a defensive stop on a Dillard fourth down and one at the Panthers’ 14 with 9:47 left in the opening half.

Two plays later, Hadley connected with Marcel Williams for a touchdown to put the Tigers ahead 7-6.