Heading into this contest between two undefeated teams, all eyes were on the two offensive stars in this game, which were Dunham 2027 QB Elijah Haven and Ascension Catholic 2025 RB Chad Elzy Jr. However, it was the defenses that stepped up in what turned out to be a low scoring, but another competitive game in this tough rivalry.
“We have the motto that tough people win and tough teams win. You are not always going to have your best. You are not always going to have a great day. Some people find a way to push through and make it work. The defense was tremendous. They were great tonight. They were put in tough situations and just kept answering the call every single time. Offensively, it was not the cleanest night and statistically, it wasn’t pretty. Elijah was just off on a bunch of big plays. We could have had six explosive touchdowns throughout the game and we didn’t, but what a way to come at the end and will his team at the end and find a way to make that play.”
Dunham High School Head Coach Neil Weiner on the win
The Dunham Tigers were able to edge out the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs to a 21-18 win. Although the Ascension Catholic defense was able to limit Haven for the most part, it was only a matter of time before the number one quarterback in the 2027 class was able to make a big play with what ended up being the game winning touchdown as Haven went 65 yards down the sideline making two guys miss in the process to take the 21-18 lead late.
“They had a light box and the line did a great job blocking. I saw the hole, I took it and I took it to the house. It was a slump for the offense today, but that was a great play for us.”
Dunham High School 2027 QB Elijah Haven
It was not Haven’s best statistical output as he finished with 71 yards rushing and 84 passing yards, but he showed his big play ability with a 65 yard rushing touchdown and also a 45 yard touchdown strike to Jarvis Washington in order to start the scoring for the Tigers.
“We have been working all summer, all spring, and all fall. To see that play happen the way it did, it comes to show you all the work that we have done to get here.”
Dunham High School 2027 QB Elijah Haven
With Dunham’s offense finally taking a lead, it was its tough nosed defense that was able to stop the Bulldogs’ offense twice including a fourth down PBU from Richard Montgomery Jr. and the game clinching interception by Jarone Harris with 1:20 left to secure the win.
Despite the loss, Elzy also showed flashes of what he is capable of as the Gridiron Football All-American ran for 116 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries while also having four catches for 42 yards and another touchdown.
“He’s tremendous. Obviously, they got some higher rated running backs in the state, but if you put them on the football field, I don’t think anybody is going to look better than that guy. He’s fantastic.”
Dunham High School Head Coach Neil Weiner on Chad Elzy
On the last play before halftime, Elzy gave the Bulldogs a 12-7 lead as he broke several tackles and found the end zone as the buzzer sounded.
The Bulldogs also scored on the opening drive to take a 6-0 lead when Camille Leboeuf connected with Johnny Viallon for a 28 yard touchdown.
In the second half, the Tigers went down the field and scored on a Colin Pecue touchdown run to give the Tigers a 13-12 lead before Elzy scored off a 10 play drive to give the Bulldogs a 18-13 lead with 5:55 left in the game before the Dunham Tigers were able to make the plays needed on both sides of the ball to get a 21-18 win at home.
“We are certainly pleased. We are 4-0. It is not only what you do, but how you do it is more important. We love the wins for sure, but these are great opportunities to learn and get better because we have to clean things up. As we get into district and into the season, we are going to be playing some well experienced teams. We know that we got some good tests for us the next couple of weeks.”
Dunham High School Head Coach Neil Weiner
Next up, the Dunham Tigers (4-0) will take on the Baker Buffaloes while the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs (2-1) will have another tough task next Friday at home against Episcopal.
