The atmosphere preceding Trinity’s district game against Melbourne Central Catholic (MCC) was electric. The Saints had Friday off to prepare for the Hustlers. Even on a student holiday, fans were out in force for this rivalry.
Two first quarter turnovers, one returned for a touchdown, plagued the Saints early. After a field goal and another endzone visit, the Hustlers found themselves up by 17.
A touchdown from junior Gabe Thomas and a 35-yard field goal from sophomore Austin Campbell closed the gap to 10-17 in favor of MCC by halftime.
To start the second half, MCC quickly added two touchdowns to the margin, extending their lead to 10-31. In response, the Saints lead a long scoring drive capped by a touchdown catch from Jalen Cayo. Trinity failed to convert both the following two-point conversion and onside kick, which was returned deep into Saints territory.
After two subsequent Hustler touchdowns, Johnny Evans took a pass to the house, bringing the score to 23-52— where it would stay. A late fumble by junior quarterback Karl Schreck, who replaced Herron after he left with a foot injury late in the game, halted the Saints’ last chance to score.
Herron had x-rays on Monday, and they revealed no break in his foot. The quarterback hopes to play immediately.
The Saints played hard in a disheartening loss, but still have the opportunity to finish third in the district with a 7-2 record. Trinity will square off against Foundation for Homecoming on Oct. 24 and Orangewood on Oct. 31 to finish out the season.
