RALEIGH -- In need of a rally, Cardinal Gibbons did what it does best -- run the football.
Austin Donnald amassed 110 yards on 14 carries, including the go-ahead touchdown and the game-clincher in the fourth quarter, rallying the Crusaders to a 21-13 home victory over rival Ravenscroft.
"Anytime you go against a coach like Ned Gonet, it's an honor," Cardinal Gibbons coach Mike Sheehan said. "We had them tied at 0 at halftime last year, and they came back and put some points on us. But we knew if we hung in there and trust each other, we'd be all right."
The visitors got off to a quick start. After Cole Olive recovered a fumble, the second one in a two-minute span for the Ravens' defense, Ravenscroft (2-2) took advantage with a 25-yard pitch and catch from quarterback Quinn Billerman to a streaking Hartland Jones for a 7-0 lead after the extra point.
The Ravens were able to continue their good fortune. After stopping the Crusaders (3-1) on downs, by the nose of the football, they were able to piece together an 11-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown plunge from Connor Gonet to go up 13-0.
But Cardinal Gibbons finally got a bit of momentum of its own in the second quarter. After Ravenscroft missed a field-goal try, the Crusaders immediately took advantage as Storm Baker hit James Hickey down the sideline, and Hickey sprinted 80 yards to cut the deficit to 13-7 heading into halftime.
That's when Donnald took over.
After a scoreless third quarter, Cardinal Gibbons forced a fumble deep in Ravens territory. The Crusaders then ran five consecutive running plays - three by Donnald -- ending in a 6-yard touchdown run from the junior to tie the score. After a successful extra point, Cardinal Gibbons led 14-13.
"It was my touchdown, but it was really a team touchdown," Donnald said. "I couldn't have done it without my teammates. It's our rival, so I had to play big."
Ravenscroft threatened on its next possession, but after crossing into Cardinal Gibbons territory, the Ravens couldn't convert a fourth-and-3.
With just under 5 minutes left, the Crusaders milked the clock and then got a 32-yard touchdown run from Donnald with 2 minutes left to put the game away.
