MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Montebello) – The Cantwell-Scared Heart of Mary Cardinals ran their way into the second round of the CIF Division 11 playoffs Friday evening, defeating the visiting Maranatha Minutemen, 25-7, in front of a very appreciative crowd at Greg Kabat Field.

Maranatha opened the scoring for the evening, taking the game’s opening drive 79 yards for a touchdown, punctuated by Quarterback Luke McNulty finding Tight End Camden Jones for a 7-yard score. The PAT attempt by Kicker Owen Meleka was successful, making the score 7-0 with 7:52 remaining in the opening quarter.

Unfortunately, this proved to be the only time that the Minutemen reached the endzone. Cantwell tied the score in the opening seconds of the second quarter, when Running Back Angel Cevallos scored on an 11-yard TD rush. The PAT was added by Kicker Diego Guerrero, knotting the score at 47-7, with 11:55 remaining in the game’s opening half.

This was also the score at the halftime break. The game was marred by an injury, which included a stoppage of play, paramedics, and a Maranatha player being transported to a local hospital. While the situation was severe, it did add a moment where true sportsmanship could be observed and appreciated. While the paramedics were placing the injured athlete in the ambulance, the players and coaches from both teams were seen clapping and cheering, in a show of support for their injured comrade. With all of the negativity that surrounds sports these days, this was a moment that reminded all in attendance what athletics is supposed to about.

The second half provided more of the traditional “ground and pound” running game that Cantwell has employed all season. Quarterback Roy Vazquez accounted for the Cardinals’ second score of the evening, a 1-yard TD blast, that made the score 13-7 as the third quarter came to an end.

Cantwell added two more scores in the final period. Cevallos scored his second touchdown of the evening, making the score 19-7, with 7:03 remaining in the game. Cevallos finished the evening with 32 carries for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

Cantwell’s final score of the evening was added by Running Back Roberto Ceballos, who found pay dirt on a 6-yard TD jaunt. The 2-point PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 25-7 as the game ended.

Maranatha finishes the 2023 campaign with a record of 9-2, 5-0 in Cottonwood League play, and as the Cottonwood League Champion. Cantwell, 9-2, advances to the second round of the playoffs, where they will meet the Westminster Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Westminster.