POINT PLEASANT, NJ – Donovan Catholic escaped Point Pleasant with a dramatic 10-7 victory Friday night, sealing the win on a clutch fourth-quarter field goal from senior kicker Blake Caruso.
The Griffins and Panthers traded early blows before settling into a defensive slugfest that lasted until the final minutes.
Caruso’s 25-yard kick with just over two minutes left broke a 7-7 deadlock and handed Donovan Catholic its fourth win of the season.
The game began with both teams struggling to move the ball, but Point Pleasant Boro broke through in the second quarter when DJ Albanese powered in from 19 yards out to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead. Donovan Catholic answered on the next possession with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Kahden Davis to Aidan Kelly, tying the score before halftime.
Defenses dominate in the middle quarters
Neither team managed to score in the third quarter as both defenses clamped down. Point Boro quarterback Jaxin Corino completed two passes for 43 yards, while Albanese continued to carry the ground game, finishing with 62 rushing yards on 14 carries. Luca Cangiano led the Panthers’ defense with seven tackles.
Donovan Catholic’s defense forced multiple punts and limited the Panthers to under 120 total yards after halftime.
Caruso delivers under pressure
With the game still tied late in the fourth, the Griffins drove deep into Panther territory, setting up Caruso’s game-winning kick. The senior drilled it cleanly through the uprights to give Donovan Catholic a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
Point Pleasant Boro’s final drive stalled near midfield as time expired, preserving the narrow win for the visitors.
Donovan Catholic improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in Shore Conference A South play, keeping its postseason hopes alive. Point Pleasant Boro fell to 2-4 and 1-2 in the division.
Caruso’s right foot proved to be the difference on a night when every yard mattered.