Burke puts away Latin Academy
Denzel Patterson wasn’t sporting a Cardinals jersey, and he didn’t catch a game-changing touchdown, but the senior channeled the post-game elation of Rod Tidwell in “Jerry Maguire.’’
“My team has heart! I love you all!’’ Patterson bellowed out to a half-cleared Reservation Field, still relishing the moment at dusk with a smile smeared across his face.
In Patterson’s first start at quarterback this season, he connected on four touchdown passes yesterday - including a 37-yard strike to Eric Mills to win it - in Burke’s 24-21 win over Latin Academy.
“When they call your number you’ve got to be ready to step up,’’ said Patterson, who had played mostly as a wide receiver and running back. “If you call my number, I’m ready to play always, whatever position.’’
Coach John Rice said he wanted to bring something fresh to this week’s division game, and he was pleased that handing the ball to Patterson worked out.
“When you come to the game you kind of got to figure out what they’re trying to do and you make an adjustment,’’ Rice explained. “In this league, quarterback . . . can be very huge.’’
Burke (3-1) kicked off the game strong, scoring on the opening drive when Patterson connected on a short pass to junior Cedric Smith, who took it another 45 yards down the field for the touchdown.
Latin Academy (3-2) retaliated before the end of the first quarter, on a 5-yard touchdown run by junior running back Ohimai Aisiku and an extra point by Connor Williams to put the Dragons on top, 7-6.
Although the Bulldogs went on top again, 12-7, in the third quarter on a 19-yard pass to senior wide receiver Reggie Hobbs, the game became an offensive tug-of-war in the final quarter.
Latin Academy regained the lead when senior Edbiko Elysee and sophomore quarterback Justin Miles hooked up for a 57-yard scoring play.
But Burke countered with a falling reception by junior Chris Shelton to give the Bulldogs an 18-14 lead.
Burke seemed to have a handle on the game. The Bulldogs had forced the Dragons to turn the ball over on downs, but Patterson let one fly on the next play, right into the hands of Aisiku at Latin Academy’s 10-yard line.
The Dragons, energized by the interception, quickly marched down the field, with senior running back Cuong Nguyen fighting for an 8-yard touchdown. With the extra point by Williams, they were back on top 21-18.
But as Rice said after the game, this was a fight of two Boston City heavyweights, and the Bulldogs were set on delivering the knockout blow.
And Patterson was up to the challenge, hitting Mills for the 37-yard score and the win.
Latin Academy coach Rocco Zizza said, despite the close score, the Dragons dominated his team in all facets of the game. “It was a royal flush as far as I’m concerned, and they deserved to win,’’ Zizza said.
