Box Score PLANO - Bishop Lynch (2-2, 1-0) traveled to John Paul II and stunned the Cardinals 28-16 to win their first district game since 2019.

The game was a defensive battle for the entire first quarter as the score was 0-0. But just as last week vs. St. Pius, the Friars scored on the first play of the second quarter. Cooper Alford connected with Ethan Morrison for a 65-yard touchdown to give the Friars the lead. The Friars' defense continued to dominate on the field, but back-to-back punt return mishaps by BL's special team unit gave JPII the ball inside the red zone at the end of the half. JPII would finally get on the scoreboard with seven seconds to tie the game up at 7-7, which would be the score at halftime.

Whoever spoke at halftime got the team in the right mindset because you could tell they meant business walking out of the locker room. The offense unit started the second half with the ball and never looked back. JP Lacsamana, with the help of the offensive line unit who had a great game, started the half with a 53-yard touchdown run to put the Friars up 14-7.

The Friar defense would force a quick three and out to give the BL's hot offense the ball back. Jeremiah Williams' great punt return to give BL the ball in plus territory, starting the drive on the JPII 45 yard line. After more great running behind BL's offensive line, the Friars were able to punch it in with an Alford one-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7 with 5:57 left in the third. 

JPII would have a good drive late in the third, but with great plays from Daniel Ring and company, the Friars would force JPII to kick a short field goal to make it 21-10 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Friars dominated both sides of the ball. Justin Lawrence got his first touchdown of the year on a 33-yard touchdown catch from Alford to make it 28-10. Luke Carter also recovered a fumble with five minutes left. JPII would score a late touchdown but the Friars were able to get in victory formation and kneel out the clock to secure the road district win. 

KEY STATISTICS:
Passing:
Cooper Alford: 10-14 | 139 Yards | 2 Touchdowns

Rushing:
JP Lacsamana: 12 Rushes | 125 Yards | 1 Touchdown

Receiving
Ethan Morrison: 5 Catches | 103 Yards | 1 Touchdown
Justin Lawrence: 4 Catches | 55 Yards | 1 Touchdown

Defense:
Beau Renteria: 14 Tackles
Drew Nevitt: 13 Tackles
Joseph Lucas: 10 Tackles

Next Up: The Friars host Nolan Catholic at home this Friday at 7:00 PM.