Football: Taft beats Notre Dame, 38-35

The Taft football team turned the tables on Notre Dame Thursday, and just in the nick of time.

Taft gave the Knights a dose of of its own medicine.

Beat Notre Dame at its own game.

Jordan Dascalo kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining to give Taft a razor close 38-35 nonleague victory.

Dylan Pritchard had a chance to tie the game as the final seconds ticked away but missed wide right on a 35-yard field goal attempt. Pritchard missed a 45-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter with Notre Dame trailing 28-27.

Not only did the Toreadors win their first game of the year but kept Notre Dame winless in three games this season.

"I shut everyone out and focused on that kick," Dascalo said. "It was make or break time."

Notre Dame has broken its opponents hearts over the years with great kickers like Chris Sailor and Kai Forbath.

But on this night, it was Taft's turn.

The game went back and forth all night with big plays, great speed and a never-say-die attitude from both teams.

Arizona St.-commit Michael Bercovici of Taft completed 31 of 46 passes for 460 yards.

Taft receivers Michael Thomas ans Miles Johnson had huge games. Thomas caught 13 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson had nine receptions for 179 yards, including a 75-yard score with 4:16 remaining which gave the Toreadors a 35-27 lead.

"Our offense is unstoppable," Thomas said. "We have so many weapons. We just had to stay in the moment to win that game."

Notre Dame wouldn't go down by any means.

Sophomore Khalfani Muhammad ripped off a 55-yard run after a big kick return, setting up Sam Robinson's 7-yard touchdown with 3:14 remaining to tie the game at 35-35 after Matt Lathuras found Cole Spurlin for a two-point conversion.

But Bercovici found Thomas on a 44-yard strike and three plays later Dascalo nailed the game winner.

"I needed that," Bercovici said of his big performance and earning his first win with his new school after transferring from Westlake last year. "We took what they gave us. They really mixed it up on defense and did a great job but I just knew I had to be a leade rand stay composed. Mike and Myles are track stars out there. One of my asst. coaches told me I just need to get the ball to those guys, they are athletes and will make it happen."

Muhammad rushed for 180 yards on 18 carries including a 25-yard touchdown and caught a 39-yard score from Matt Lathuras (17 of 31 for 201 yards).

The Knights were feeling good after taking a 27-14 lead thanks to a 62-yard touchdown run by Lathuras.

Taft came back with a three consecutive touchdowns.

Dimitray Lewis rushed for 96 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns for Taft. Lewis had a 4-yard run with 8:41 remaining which gave the Toreadors their first lead of the season.

"It is disappointing," Notre Dame coach Kevin Rooney said. "Their quarterback was great. We gave up a lot of big plays. We just have to get better."