CAL Re-Cap: AC Downs Hammonton, Holy Spirit Wins

This weekend is a little light on Cape-Atlantic League football action, as 10 of the league’s 18 teams took time off during a bye week. However, the eight programs that did play provided plenty of highlights.

Outside of CAL action, it was another memorable night on the island of Wildwood, where we continue to witness Coach Rich Hans’ Warriors program flourish for the first time in years.

Atlantic City 19, Hammonton 7

The Vikings (3-1, 3-1 in American Conference) earned a third consecutive victory since losing to Millville in the home opener. Fueled by timely defensive plays, the Vikings never allowed Hammonton (3-2, 2-2 in American Conference) to threaten its lead late in the contest.

Quarterback Jarren McBride tossed two touchdown passes, including an 18-yard strike to Dayshawn Reynolds that put Atlantic City ahead 13-7 at intermission. Blue Devils running back Dylan Rosu caught a second-quarter screen pass from quarterback Christian Mortellite and cruised 70 yards to the end zone.

After a scoreless third quarter, Atlantic City extended its lead to 19-7 in the final frame when Domeneek Brown-Hurd scored on a goal line plunge. McBride came up big on defense as well, snatching an interception that halted Hammonton’s best second-half scoring chance.

Holy Spirit 18, Absegami 0

The Spartans (2-2, 2-2 in American Conference) continue to rely on a stifling defense. Holy Spirit has surrendered just 13 points in the past three games.

Jeff Steeb put Holy Spirit on the scoreboard 18 seconds into the contest. He picked off Absegami’s first pass of the night and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.

The Braves (3-2, 2-2 in American Conference) managed one first down in the opening half, as Holy Spirit kept Absegami’s offensive weapons at bay.

Spartans junior Franco Rifici converted a 36-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter to increase the lead to 11-0. Holy Spirit solidified its second consecutive victory when A.J. Dawson returned another Absegami interception for a touchdown.

The Braves suffered a loss for the first time since Sept. 7.

(Click here to continue reading)