The only thing that junior quarterback CJ Gray saw was an opportunity for Brother Rice.
After analyzing the numbers in his head, Gray also knew that Mount Carmel was vulnerable.
“Even after they scored their touchdown, I just realized it was our turn next and they made a huge mistake,” he said. “I love it when our defense makes stops and we get the ball back.
“Even this time, they left too much time on the clock and we capitalized.”
The Crusaders capitalized, indeed.
Gray connected with junior receiver Jovan Green on a 34-yard pass play to set up a 19-yard field goal by junior kicker Brady Gomez as time expired Friday night for a 16-13 CCL/ESCC Blue win.
On the six-play, 65-yard scoring drive, Gray completed 3 of 5 passes for 45 yards. Earlier, with 6:33 remaining, senior running back Tyler Lofton came through with a 5-yard touchdown run to give Brother Rice (3-3, 1-1) a 13-6 lead.
Junior quarterback Emmett Dowling threw two TD passes to sophomore receiver Quentin Burrell to lead Mount Carmel (4-2, 1-1), which played without injured Vanderbilt recruit Jack Elliott.
The senior quarterback suffered a shoulder injured last week. Pressed into service, Dowling found Burrell for a 19-yard TD strike with 46 seconds left. Facing fourth-and-16, he also threw a 24-yard TD pass to Burrell on the opening series of the game.
Gray, however, forced a 6-6 tie with a 13-yard TD dart to senior receiver Jimmie Maxson III in the closing seconds of the second quarter. And Gomez knew what to expect from Gray.
“I’ve been playing with CJ since freshman year, and he has always wanted to have greatness in him,” Gomez said. “I knew as soon as we got the ball, CJ would make the plays to get us in field goal range and I’d come in and make the kick.”
Green caught all three passes on the game-winning drive — the most significant being a 34-yard reception down the right sideline with 19 seconds to play.
“We’ve been playing together since freshman year,” Green said of Gray, who’s in his first year as the varsity starter. “We just have that connection out there.
“With CJ, the goal was clear. Just go out and win the game.”
After using a two-quarterback platoon last season, the Crusaders have gone with Gray as the only signal caller this year after he won a competition in summer camp.
At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Gray combines size, range, athleticism and the toughness to stand in the pocket and absorb pressure.
“I embrace the challenge of being a quarterback,” Gray said. “Everything about the position is fun. It’s all on you. I love to deliver the ball to my guys and let them make plays.
“On the last drive, I had total faith in my offensive line, running backs and receivers.”
Gray also showcased his versatility and an ability to make improvisational plays. His 15-yard scramble down the right sideline was a key sequence during the final drive.
“That’s my job — to make plays, either throwing the ball or with my feet,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about the game and myself since our first game.
“I have a lot of trust in my team and they trust me. We’re all on the same page.”
Gray’s 24-yard pass to senior receiver Daniel White also set up Lofton’s TD run. It came on a scramble, with Gray moving right and throwing over Mount Carmel’s secondary.
“In any game, they’re going to make plays and you have to respond to the pressure of the moment,” Gray said. ”I’m pretty quiet, but I know what is expected and what to do out there.
“You have to always stay the course.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
