Resilient Archbishop Carroll rallies to win crucial district matchup vs. True North
Miami Archbishop Carroll’s football players aren’t often the biggest or the fastest on the field on any given day.
But on Thursday afternoon, as they often show, they were the most resilient.
In a game that was played despite gusty winds due to nearby Hurricane Helene, the Bulldogs withstood the elements and overcame an early deficit to beat Miami True North Classical Academy 20-19 at Tropical Park.
Carroll (5-1, 1-0 District 15-1A) scored a crucial district win and put itself in position to clinch the district title if it can beat Westminster Christian at home next Friday at 3:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs beat the Titans (2-2, 0-1) for the second consecutive time after eliminating them from the playoffs in last year’s regional finals, and did so despite graduating 14 starters from last year’s squad.
“We thank the Lord first. This game wasn’t about how big you are, how fast you are, about schemes or anything, this is about who you are,” Archbishop Carroll coach Jorge Zagales said. “That is a very good team and they’re bigger and faster than us. Our kids are so resilient and work so hard. When the moment comes, they rise to the occasion. They work hard and do the right things and never do anything to disrespect us or an opponent.”
Despite losing so many skill-position starters, the heart of Carroll’s offensive line remained intact. The senior-laden group is led by Josh Velez, Jake Santovenia, Jacob Acosta, Jaden Ledo, Anthony Pazmino, Pete Almeida and Roger Soca.
The group powered Carroll’s offense, which ran on all 56 plays from scrimmage for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Josh Rivera led the effort with 22 carries for 143 yards while Kelcey Parrish (13 carries for 57 yards), Will Secola (7 carries for 23 yards) and Max Rodriguez (7 for 38 yards) all scored a touchdown.
“It’s about how we practice. We’re ready for anything and we come in with the right mindset,” said Santovenia, the team’s starting left tackle. “It was a big step for us as far as leadership. It’s great to see the younger guys step up.”
True North took a 19-7 lead in the second quarter on three touchdown passes by starting quarterback Zach Katz, who passed for over 200 yards. After Katz’s second touchdown connection - a 55-yarder to freshman Jason Rolle gave the Titans a 13-7 lead, the wind, which often exceeded 25 miles per hour, aided True North. The ensuing kickoff sailed 20 yards and then stopped in mid air taking a backward bounce and allowing the Titans to recover. Katz then found Kareem Brown for a 10-yard touchdown.
Carroll lineman Anthony Pazmino blocked the extra point, however, which would prove crucial.
True North appeared to force a turnover on Carroll’s ensuing drive when Christian Garcia picked up a fumble. But an inadvertent whistle blew the play dead before the fumble. Carroll scored moments later when Rodriguez carried it in from a yard out to cut its deficit to 19-13.
The Bulldogs’ defense then forced the first of three turnovers when Justin Matias, who finished with four tackles, picked off a Katz pass that bounced off a True North receiver.
Carroll’s defense held the Titans offense in check throughout the second half and its offense put together another time-consuming drive that culminated with Parrish’s 1-yard touchdown. Gus Maltez’s go-ahead extra point into the wind barely made it over the crossbar for the decisive point.
Isaiah Surez led Carroll’s defense with 10 tackles and a forced fumble.
True North’s final two drives ended with turnovers as senior Sebastian de la Pava picked off Katz with 2:17 remaining. After Carroll punted, Josh Velez, who also finished with five tackles, recovered a fumble with 21 seconds remaining to seal the outcome.
“We needed stops on defense and we got them,” Santovenia said. “Next week we have to show up again and keep doing that no matter how far we get.”
This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 11:04 AM.
