Chaminade football bounces back with win over improved McArthur
Chaminade-Madonna was at the same point it was last season when doubts surfaced about how good their football team still could be.
This time, though, the Lions refused to start their season 0-2.
A week after it was dominated by national powerhouse St. Frances Academy, Chaminade showed flashes of its former self during a 28-14 victory over McArthur on Friday night at the Mustangs’ home field.
The Lions (1-1), who plummeted in multiple national polls including going from being ranked No. 7 to No. 32 by MaxPreps, rebounded thanks largely to their running game, big-chunk plays and an aggressive pass rush which made plays when it needed to the most.
Elijah Hardy broke a 72-yard touchdown run on the game’s second play and finished with 167 yards on 11 carries to lead Chaminade’s offense.
Chaminade sophomore Tromon Isaac later caught a 74-yard touchdown pass on a bubble screen from quarterback Malik Leonard and capped the scoring with a 17-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep to seal the victory.
The score was a needed response after McArthur (0-1) nearly mounted an improbable comeback in the fourth quarter.
Trailing 21-0, senior quarterback Javarius Robinson tucked the ball, found an opening in Chaminade’s defense and scampered 17 yards for a touchdown to give the Mustang their first points with 9:28 left.
After forcing the Lions to punt, McArthur drove quickly and cashed in again when Robinson threw a 13-yard touchdown pass.
Costly penalties by McArthur on Chaminade’s ensuing drive swung the momentum back in the Lions’ favor and led them to the game-sealing score.
Leonard, a freshman, and junior Tyler Chance rotated at quarterback throughout the game with each alternating drives behind center.
Chance had one of the best throws of the night when he found Denairius Gray for a 25-yard touchdown pass just before halftime.
Chaminade’s defense recorded four sacks including two by senior Damani Atkinson.
The Lions, who also committed over 100 yards in penalties and are still trying to round into form, face another daunting challenge next week when they travel to Plantation American Heritage on Friday night. The Patriots (1-0) are ranked No. 8 nationally by MaxPreps.
McArthur will attempt to win its first game when it heads to Miramar on Friday night.
This story was originally published August 30, 2025 at 8:59 AM.
