John Paul II picked up a bizarre win Friday, as host St. Andrew’s declined to play overtime after the teams were tied at 27 at the end of regulation.
The Lions, who outscored the Golden Warriors 104-6 over the past two seasons, cited injury concerns in their refusal to play overtime, which wasn’t a satisfying way for JPII to pick up its first win of the season.
“Somebody deserved to win it on the field, and it could have easily been them,” JPII coach Kevin Wald said. “We get the win, but I have an empty, hollow feeling.”
Melik Frost started in place of star running back Zach Doe and rushed for 97 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries. Frost also had eight tackles (three for loss) and a sack on defense.
Freddie Aiken had 14 tackles (three for loss) and a forced fumble on defense and rushed for 56 yards on 15 carries, and Rashad Battiste recorded two interceptions for the Golden Warriors.
Frost tied it at 7 with a 39-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter and scored for 5 yards out on his next touch to give JPII a 14-7 lead with 7:26 left in the half. His third touchdown of the half made it 21-7 with 2:10 left, but the Lions scored with 28 seconds remaining in the half and returned the opening kick of the second half for a score to pull within 21-20.
Frost’s 10-yard TD run made it 27-20 with 6:35 remaining in the third quarter, and St. Andrew’s tied it with a long touchdown pass with 11:45 remaining before the defenses took control.
JPII (1-2) travels to Carolina Academy next week.