Cardinal Newman, Benjamin matchup gets suspended in second quarter due to lightning

The Cardinal Newman defense stepped up with a strong performance in the first half against host Benjamin before the game was suspended after a lightning delay with 1:56 left in the second quarter with the Crusaders holding a 7-0 advantage in a pivotal District 5-1M matchup on Friday night.

The game resumed at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The winner will be in position to clinch the district championship. The three-team district also includes Slam Academy.

Benjamin junior Jacob Cosby-Mosley started at quarterback after displaying his mobility at the position during the preseason kickoff classic victory against Palm Beach Gardens. Junior Patrick Downes and eighth grader Joseph Allen both received time through the first two weeks of the season.

Benjamin junior standout running back Chauncey Bowens, a Sun Sentinel Super 11 selection and four-star prospect, was held out of the game due to an injury from last week. Phoenix Donghia received the start in the backfield.

The Bucs (0-2) had a drive stall on fourth down in the first quarter as Cosby-Mosley was stopped short on a quarterback sneak at the Crusaders49-yardline.

The Crusaders (2-0) capitalized on the ensuing possession.

Junior quarterback Luke Warnock stepped up in the pocket on fourth down and connected with senior wide receiver Chris Presto for a 28-yard scoring pass in the left corner of the end zone with 2:15 left in the first. Warnock had passed for seven touchdowns through the first two games.

The Bucs had a scoring chance during the second quarter. Senior wide receiver Darrell Sweeting had a catch-and-run into Crusaders territory. On fourth-and-15 at the Crusaders’ 19-yard line, Cosby-Mosley was unable to convert after scrambling for a 13-yard gain before he was wrapped up by senior Cole Dillon as well as Presto.

Senior running back Henry

Bennett, who rushed for three scores through the first two weeks, helped to lead the Crusaders offense on the ground.

Cosby-Mosley led the Bucs in rushing yards during the first half.

Cardinal Newman made a statement with a 40-12 win on the road against Pahokee in the season opener and they also cruised to a 42-0 victory against American Heritage-Delray last week.

Benjamin led at halftime in each of the first two weeks, but suffered a three-point loss to John Carroll Catholic and dropped a five-point decision to Pahokee.

Cardinal Newman is looking to avenge a 17-7 loss to Benjamin from last season.