John Paul II claimed perhaps the biggest win in the program’s history and kept itself in position to contend for a region title with a 28-27 home win over Orangeburg Prep on Friday.
Zach Doe rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, and Melik Frost rushed for 85 yards on 11 carries and added 12 tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown on defense to lead the Golden Warriors.
Sam Summa and Rashad Battiste, who connected for the long pass that set up a game-winning field goal last week at Hilton Head Prep, teamed up for a 65-yard touchdown to tie it with 2:09 left, and Ben Richardson booted the go-ahead PAT.
Video by Carlo Perruzza
The Indians led 7-0 early before Frost scooped up a fumble forced by Adrian Skipper and went more than 50 yards for a score to tie it. Orangeburg Prep regained the lead in the second quarter, but Doe broke a 77-yard touchdown run to pull JPII even at the half.
Orangeburg Prep broke a long touchdown run to move back in front early in the third quarter, but JPII answered again, as Freddie Aiken capped a drive with a 5-yard TD run.
The Indians regained the lead with another long touchdown run with 6:50 left, but Battiste blocked the PAT and found himself on the receiving end of the winning touchdown pass after the Golden Warriors converted two fourth downs in their own territory on the go-ahead drive.
JPII (4-2, 2-0) hosts winless Northwood Academy next Friday.