Quarterback Cheyenne Pearson ran in the winning touchdown to send New Dorp to a 12-6 PSAL flag football victory over visiting Susan Wagner in four overtimes Monday.
“It was a high intensity, non-stop, defensive game and both teams played really well,” said ND coach Rocco Delpriore, whose squad improved to 2-1 in PSAL play. “Cheyenne Pearson had a little bit of a rough day today and threw three interceptions, but I’m so proud that she was able to put that aside and had enough strength to rally and score the winning touchdown for us.”
In the first four quarters, defense prevailed for both teams.
Krista Sabbatino (16 flag grabs), Cheyenne Cammarano (10 flag grabs, sack) and Zha Monyku Davis (12 flag grabs, sack) led the Central Cougars’ defense.
For SW, Mirsade Pelinkovic, Julianna Yacca and Sehadet Krifca combined for four interceptions, while Jillian DeGeorge tallied 10 flag grabs and a sack.
ND had a scoring opportunity in the last few minutes of regulation, but Pelinkovic recorded an interception to give SW the ball. The Falcons were within two yards of the end zone before strong defense by Sabbatino and Sam Lepardo (interception) forced turnovers and sent the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams exchanged possessions but neither scored.
Pearson put New Dorp on the board in the second overtime with a 30-yard TD pass to Lepardo to make the score 6-0.
Wagner quickly answered with a TD by Sabrina Yakush (four sacks, seven flag grabs) on a 15-yard fade route to tie the game, 6-6, and send it to a scoreless third overtime.
Tied 6-6 in the fourth overtime, Cammarano made a crucial 15-yard catch over the middle to set up Pearson’s TD on fourth down to seal the 12-6 victory for ND.
“It was really a great game with great defense. An exciting game like this is a testament to the effort of all the girls and coaches who are working really hard,” added Delpriore. “It shows that flag football on Staten Island is a competitive and growing sport.”
The Central Cougars (3-1 overall) will face CSI/McCown next Monday.