Royal Oak

Shrine losses lead in fourth quarter, falls to Cabrini 21-14 in Sunday afternoon affair

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Erin Sanchez Shrine's Joe Nagle runs against Cabrini during the Sept. 30 game. Shrine fell to 4-2 after dropping the game 21-14. Photo by Erin Sanchez Shrine's Joe Nagle runs against Cabrini during the Sept. 30 game. Shrine fell to 4-2 after dropping the game 21-14.

ROYAL OAK — In his 20-plus years on the sideline, John Goddard has experienced just about every type of win and loss imaginable.

But on Sept. 30, the Royal Oak Shrine football coach had one he wasn’t accustomed to, nor does he every hope to be again.

“This was probably the toughest and most frustrating loss I’ve ever had,” Goddard said following a 21-14 setback to Allen Park Cabrini. “We served this game up to them on a silver platter.”

Shrine led 14-7 with just 4:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, but allowed 14 points in a span less than three minutes, including the game-winning touchdown with just 14.8 seconds remaining in the game.

“You have to respect every opponent and give them credit for what they do, but I truthfully don’t feel like Cabrini did anything in this game to beat us,” Goddard added. “It’s very frustrating to lose a game like this that meant so much.”

The loss drops Shrine to 4-2 on the season and eliminates the Knights from a chance to play in the Catholic League Prep Bowl.

Shrine took a 7-0 lead in the final moments of the first quarter when Chris Kelly scored on a 9-yard run.

The game remained unchanged until the fourth.

Cabrini tied things up when David Szczesny hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Nick Shirey.

Shrine answered right back, though, converting on a fourth-and-goal when Joe Nagle scored on a 2-yard run with 4:58 remaining in the game.

Cabrini tied the game on its ensuing possession, scoring on a 32-yard pass to Tony Bertani.

After Shrine was forced to punt, another long pass play for Cabrini set up the winning score, a 12-yard run by Patrick Sekerak.

“We couldn’t make a play defensively, especially on the passes,” Goddard said. “I don’t get it. To give this one away is very tough, but we have to move on. Our goal is still to make the playoffs, and we have a lot of work yet to do that.”

Nagle led the Knights' rushing attack with 121 yards. 

Shrine (4-2) faces Madison Heights Bishop Foley (3-3) Oct. 5, then closes out the regular season against Detroit Loyola (6-0) and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (5-1).

Cabrini (5-1) can clinch a playoff spot Oct. 5 against Riverview Gabriel Richard.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038. Follow Mike on Twitter.