By Larry Moko
The 'dynamo' has struck again.
Daniel Carson, a cornerback/receiver and special teams ace for the Bishop Tonnos Titans, scored a key second-quarter touchdown while on punt-return coverage against the visiting St. John Henry Newman Cardinals on Friday.
And that helped first-place Tonnos to a 28-10 victory.
On the play, Carson got his hands on a fumble and raced 30 yards into the end zone. Earlier this season, in a come-from-behind victory over the St. Thomas More Knights, the veteran sparked the Titans when he ran back a fumbled handoff 40 yards for a touchdown.
Tonnos coach Anthony Tassone describes Carson as a 'dynamo' and someone who plays an important role for the two-time defending Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic champions.
The victory improved Tonnos' record to 4-0. Newman dropped to 2-2.
In other action, the St. Mary Crusaders scored their first victory of the season -- 24-7 over the St. Jean de Brebeuf Braves -- and More moved into sole possession of second place with an 8-6 decision over the Bishop Ryan Celtics. The Cathedral Gaels were idle.
Tonnos got off to a fast start when wide receiver Joseph Cafagna gathered in a short, quick pass from quarterback Hudson Taylor. Cafagna then shook free from three separate defenders and dashed 45 yards for a touchdown.
Kicker Johnny Theodoropoulos added the first of his four converts.
Newman also benefited from a turnover on a fumbled punt. Nolan Methot of the Cardinals gathered one in and that set the stage for a 23-yard field goal by Vince DiFrancesco.
The Titans increased their advantage to 21-3 on Carson's major and a four-yard touchdown run by Joey Jaf-Taylor.
Newman's only touchdown came early in the fourth quarter when quarterback James Romano tossed a 20-yard pass that was deflected in the end zone before being caught by Methot. DiFrancsco's convert made it 21-10.
Jaf-Taylor rounded out the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run.
Newman's offence stalled three times on third-and-short situations when they turned the ball over in Tonnos' zone.
Tassone said he was pleased with all aspects of the Titans play -- offence, defence and special teams.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym RFB Sport Photography
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