Archbishop Carroll powers its way over True North and on to first state semi since 2007

On Friday night, the Archbishop Carroll Bulldogs and True North Classic Academy Titans delivered very similar offensive results despite having completely different methods of attack.

By the end of the night at Tropical Park, only one factor became a true advantage for either side - the Bulldogs’ strength.

“The seven blocks of granite. The offensive line again came through, they always do,” Archbishop Carroll coach Jorge Zagales said. “They chew on iron plates in the weight room. They do the best they can, and the best they can is good enough for us.”

With two seconds left, Archbishop Carroll kicker Ethan Silva hit a 29-yard field goal to beat the Titans 38-35. Only a few seconds long, the moment was created by hours of pad-popping drives and delivered a monstrous celebration for the Bulldogs as cowbells rung in the visiting stands.

The Bulldogs, who revived their program in recent years, clinched their first trip to the state semifinals since 2007.

“We practice that, we practice end of game situation.” Zagales said. “We actually practiced running it off the sideline. So, it was actually easier for us to call the timeout and just get the field goal team on there.”

Both offenses delivered strikes like fighters going blow for blow in a heavyweight fight. Over the night, the Bulldogs churned out 350 rushing yards using the triple option. Taking advantage of a mostly clear night, Titans freshman quarterback Zachary Katz threw for 226 yards and four touchdowns while completing nearly 87 percent of his throws.

“True North is a tremendous football team. Tremendous offense. One of the best offenses I think I’ve ever seen in Dade County. So, it was a challenge playing against them because they are so good. We are just grateful that we came out on top,” Zagales said.

Archbishop Carroll (11-1) only forced one punt, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. After a quick eight play, 64-yard drive for a touchdown, the Bulldogs forced True North (9-3) into a three and out to get the ball back in a 35-35 tie and just over a minute to play in the fourth quarter.

“We’re playing with two freshman linebackers, a sophomore strong safety, and the boys just turned it up,” Zagales said. “Here on the last drive, it just all came to fruition.”

The Bulldogs scored on three of their five first half drives and produced three scoring drives in the second half. Each drive was a necessary counter to the 115 penalty yards the team produced.

“We made mistakes. Officials don’t win us or lose us games. Those are on us,” Zagales said.

With the win, Archbishop Carroll will look forward to a date with Chaminade-Madonna, the No. 2-ranked team in the nation, in the state semifinals next Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Chaminade.

“Our guys are going to be up to the challenge. They are going to work hard during the work,” Zagales said. “We are going to fight hard. Our guys will show up and will play hard.”