Central Catholic falls short against Cardinal Newman in 2 OTs

Billy Flamion swears he had a hand between the ball and the turf, and had the official behind him agreed, Central Catholic High would have run off the field celebrating a season-opening win.

The only opinion that mattered, though, was the official whose view was shielded by Flamion’s diving attempt at midfield — and he ruled it an incomplete pass.

Flamion’s response was to spike the ball out of frustration, and the 15-yard personal foul he received with 1:15 left in the game allowed Cardinal Newman to continue what would be a game-tying drive.

It eventually led to defeat, as well, as the Cardinals’ 27-yard field goal in the second overtime gave them a 24-21 win over Central in Saturday’s Battle at the Capitol.

“I made a catch, rolled over and showed him the ball as I got up,” the Raiders’ free safety said. “I got frustrated and spiked it. It was a mistake, but I let my emotions get to me.”

Flamion’s mistake was just one of many unforced errors Central suffered:

• Moments later, on fourth-and-1 at the Central 44, the Raiders were flagged for 12 defenders in the field after a timeout.

• With 50 seconds left, Central tried to cover speedy Steven Tomasini with a defensive end — with predictable results. Tomasini’s 25-yard catch put the ball at the 2.

• In the first overtime, the Raiders fell victim to a similar play — once again failing to recognize a mismatch that was in Cardinal Newman’s favor. Again the Cardinals turned it into a TD.

• In the second OT, Zach Juarez pushed a 29-yard field goal attempt wide right. He had missed a PAT kick and a field goal in regulation, and had he made either kick, Central could have avoided overtime.

Cardinal Newman didn’t waste any time: Adrian Rubio kicked a 27-yard field goal on the first play of its possession for the win.

In overtimes, each team starts at the 10 and is given four downs to score. Unlike in the NFL, each team is given an opportunity with the ball.

Central’s offense was dismal for three quarters, before Dom Ciccarelli led 73-yard drive that culminated in Sterling Shaw’s 9-yard TD run with 2:40 to play. His PAT pass to Jack Killian made it 14-7.

Cardinal Newman’s offense was non-existent much of the game, as it finished with just 175 yards.

The only reliable plays were the quick slant and an alignment that put Tomasini in the backfield. Tomasini was called on three times, and each time Central failed to account for him until it was too late.

“It’s like the defense didn’t know I was going out for a pass,” he said. “The idea is to make them think I will block, and they bit on that.”