Gibbons’ backup QB handles the pressure

Palhegyi steps in, leads Chiefs past American Heritage

FORT LAUDERDALE

— Cardinal Gibbons quarterback Brody Palhegyi made his first career start Friday night.

All he was asked to do was take over for injured school-record holder Nik Scalzo and face rival and perennial powerhouse American Heritage in a win-or-go-home regional final. No pressure. Palhegyi, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, faced that pressure admirably and led the Chiefs to a 35-7 victory against the Patriots to send Gibbons to the Class 5A state semifinals – the furthest the Chiefs have advanced in the playoffs since losing in the state title game in 1990.

Gibbons got on the board after an initial threeand-out.

On the Patriots’ first offensive play, an errant snap flew over quarterback Edwin Rhodes’ head. Linebacker Trevis Robinson scooped up the bouncing ball and ran it into the end zone.

Another turnover cost American Heritage seven more points when Rhodes threw an interception to Gibbons defensive back Michal Antoine. Two plays later, Palhegyi threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Majon Wright to give the Chiefs a 14-0 lead in the game’s first 4:11.

Palhegyi tossed another touchdown pass to Wright on the Chiefs’ subsequent drive for a 10-yard score to put Cardinal Gibbons ahead 21-0.

The Patriots stayed in the game, and Rhodes connected for a 48-yard touchdown pass to Vinson Davis with only 10 seconds left in the half.

The two teams spent the second half locked in a defensive battle, trading punts and running down the clock.

Vincent Davis sealed the win with a 47-yard touchdown, which gave Gibbons a 28-7 lead with 4:15 left in the fourth quarter.

Tajae Davis added a late 1-yard touchdown.