Mount Carmel Triumphs Over Brother Rice in Unbeaten Showdown

In a highly anticipated clash of unbeaten teams, Mount Carmel decisively defeated Brother Rice 27-14 on September 29, 2023. The victory not only showcased Mount Carmel’s dominance but also marked a significant redemption for senior quarterback Emmett Dowling, who had previously stepped in for an injured teammate during a loss to Brother Rice last season.

Dowling delivered an impressive performance, accumulating over 400 yards of offense. He completed 352 yards through the air, throwing three touchdowns and running for another 59 yards. His efforts led the Caravan, ranked No. 1 in Class 8A, to improve their record to 6-0, while Brother Rice fell to 5-1.

Mount Carmel’s Strong Defense Shines

Mount Carmel’s defense played a crucial role in the win, executing three key red-zone stops against the Crusaders. Their first defensive stand occurred early in the first quarter when running back Jameson Davis broke free for a 45-yard run, bringing Brother Rice to the 5-yard line. The Caravan’s defense, however, held strong, stopping Crusader quarterback C.J. Gray on four consecutive plays, including a critical fourth-down tackle.

Defensive lineman Braeden Jones, who has committed to the University of Southern California, emphasized the team’s relentless approach. “We couldn’t let [C.J.] run around,” he noted. “If he didn’t run around, we were going to win the game.”

Brother Rice attempted to respond with strong defensive efforts of their own. Kameron McGee, a standout defensive end for the Crusaders, recorded a sack on Dowling and recovered a fumble, giving Brother Rice a brief offensive advantage.

Turning Point in the Game

The first quarter saw Brother Rice take an early lead with a trick play resulting in a 38-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Lucas Strang to tight end Colin Goggin. However, Mount Carmel quickly retaliated. Dowling launched a deep pass to wide receiver Jamari Brown, connecting for a 46-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to one point.

By the second quarter, Mount Carmel had taken the lead with another touchdown pass from Dowling, this time to inside receiver Duran Sims for 19 yards. Mount Carmel extended their advantage further when running back Nathan Samuels scored from one yard out, capping off a productive drive that featured his seven receptions for a team-high 94 receiving yards.

“Our receiving corps is awesome,” Dowling remarked. “I truly think it’s the best in the state. That’s great to have because I can throw the ball to whomever and I know they will make a play.”

As the game progressed, Brother Rice made adjustments, utilizing their running game effectively. The Crusaders scored again with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Gray to Goggin, narrowing the score to 20-14. Head coach Casey Quedenfeld acknowledged the need for better execution, stating, “There was some lack of alignment and communication in the first half, but we got back to what we’ve done over the first five weeks.”

The Caravan responded swiftly, with Dowling connecting with wide receiver Marshaun Thornton for a 12-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 27-14. The game’s defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Mount Carmel cornerback Gabriel Spencer intercepted Gray, sealing the victory for the Caravan.

Mount Carmel’s convincing win not only solidified their status as a top contender but also showcased the impact of a well-rounded team performance—both offensively and defensively. As they prepare for their upcoming matches, the Caravan will carry forward this momentum, eyeing a continued undefeated season.