Blanche Ely shocks Chaminade-Madonna in overtime thriller
Only two games into the 2024 high school football season, the Chaminade-Madonna-Blanche Ely game on Friday became an early candidate for game of the year.
Led by junior quarterback Omari McNeil, who passed for 381 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for three more scores including the eventual game-winner, the host Tigers held on for an eye-opening, 35-34 overtime upset win over Chaminade on Friday.
“This is why I came here,” Blanche Ely coach Terence McFadden said. “I came here to try to build a program and give the team the opportunity to do these types of things. I’m proud of these kids. They work hard every day and deserve wins like this.”
McNeil scored on an eight-yard touchdown run to take the lead in the Tigers’ first possession of overtime. The successful extra-point conversion put them up 35-28.
The Lions immediately had the opportunity to send the game into a second overtime after junior running back Derek Cooper scored on a 10-yard run around right end. Cooper ended his night with 183 yards on 32 carries and four touchdowns.
The interior of the Ely defensive front made its second big play that decided the outcome, blocking the point after attempt by Noah Sidan.
The Tigers also blocked a potential game winning 30-yard field with two seconds left in regulation.
“This was a big statement as everyone thought we were going to lose,” McNeil said. “We shocked the word. Like out coach said we practice just like them and we had a chance just like them.”
The loss was the second straight to open the season, marking the first time since 2010 that Chaminade begins a season 0-2. It’s also the first time the Lions have lost back-to-back games since losing their final game of the 2016 season and 2017 regular season opener. Chaminade had not lost two in a row within the same season since 2016 as well.
The Tigers (2-0) led 14-7 at the half, adding to the lead on a two-run run by McNeil to open the second half.
Chaminade (0-2), with senior Preston Wright stepping in to replace Lions starting quarterback Tyler Chance following a first half leg injury, led the team to consecutive touchdown tying the score at 21-21.
Ely wasn’t phased by the Lions comeback, driving 72 yards on five plays with running back Louis Kenson scoring on a five-yard run with 6:49 remaining in the game for a 28-21 lead.
The Lions evened the score on a 12-yard scoring pass from Wright to Jasen Lopez with 4:24 remaining.
Chaminade looks to rebound when they host American Heritage at home next Friday. The Tigers will play Stranahan at Lockhart Stadium on Friday.
