The Holy Spirit football team secured an exhilarating playoff win with a last-second touchdown, beating Immaculata High School 36-33 in a thrilling game. The teams traded the lead throughout the game, creating a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The winning moment came with just 11 seconds left on the clock when wide receiver Matt Abbott caught a 20-yard pass from Ty Costabile, lifting Holy Spirit to victory. It was a dramatic finish to an intense game, with Immaculata completing one last pass as time expired.
With this win, Holy Spirit advances to the sectional semifinals, where they will face top-seeded Red Bank Catholic. The game is set to take place next Friday in Monmouth County. Immaculata, on the other hand, will conclude its season on Thanksgiving Day against St. Thomas Aquinas.
Throughout the game, both teams fought hard and took turns holding the lead. Holy Spirit had leads of 7-0, 22-14, 22-20, and 29-26, while Immaculata led 14-7, 26-14, 26-22, and 33-29. The score was tied at 7-7 and 14-14 at halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Holy Spirit struck first, with Costabile connecting with wide receiver Ty Mercado for an 8-yard touchdown pass. Spirit’s other touchdowns came from wide receiver Tahmir Jones, who scored twice on 21-yard and 46-yard passes from Costabile, and Emir Hicks, who ran for a 53-yard touchdown. Mason Forte kicked four extra points for the team.
Immaculata fought back with two touchdowns in the second quarter. Running back Adam Bowles scored the team’s first points on a 66-yard pass from Mason Geis, followed by Joe Fleming’s 14-yard scoring run. Wide receiver/running back Cole Hayden also contributed a 10-yard touchdown catch from Geis.
Both teams put up a valiant effort, but in the end, it was Holy Spirit who came out on top. Their quick drive in the final seconds sealed the victory and sent their fans into a frenzy of celebration.
Holy Spirit had previously clinched the West Jersey Football League‘s Continental Division title with a victory over Kingsway Regional on October 20. Their next challenge will be facing Red Bank Catholic, a team that has only suffered one loss this season.
As the Holy Spirit football team basks in their thrilling win, they are now one step closer to their goal of becoming sectional champions. The excitement of their last-second touchdown will surely be etched in the memories of players and fans alike.
