By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff

LYNN — Lynn English ended a three-game Thanksgiving skid against Lynn Classical with 28-6 victory in the 111th edition of the rivalry on Thursday behind quarterback Jaiden Rosario’s career day.

Spring of 2021 – a Covid shortened season – that was the last time Lynn English (7-4) beat Lynn Classical (3-8). English head coach Tyllor McDonald was on the Lynn Classical staff and Rosario was still in middle school.

In the last two meetings, the Bulldogs offense failed to generate an offensive touchdown. On a rainy Thanksgiving morning, it was evident they came into this one determined to wash away the bad memories from their past two meetings.

“This senior group we just worked so hard throughout these four years,” said Rosario. “We just turned it around from our mentality to our physicality.”

Rosario was the catalyst for the Bulldogs offensive throwing for 226 yards with three touchdown passes on the day. After both teams went three-and-out the Bulldogs offense put together a nine play 67-yard drive using a heavy dose of run game

Running back Xavier Beauchamp rushed for 38-yards on seven carries on the drive. Rosario connected with Zamari Omosefe on a 16-yard touchdown pass to get the Bulldogs on the board.

The Rams had a response, putting together a 20 play drive that began at the 2:51 mark in the first quarter and ended at the 1:11 mark in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Tyren Hoeun.

It didn’t take long for Lynn English to seize back the momentum. On the ensuing drive, Rosario completed five of seven passes for 64 yards capping it off with a 26 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Jordan Em to give the Bulldogs the 14-6 lead at the half.

“We knew that they were coming out the second half with the ball so we knew we had to get something,” said Rosario. “We just took a shot and fortunately it landed.”

Defense swung the momentum for the Bulldogs to begin the second half. As the Rams were marching down the field, senior Jordan Em picked off Javon Clayborn in the end zone.

“We made adjustments up front which helped us with their run game and we were able to shut it down the rest of the game,” said McDonald.

Rosario connected with Limbert Thomas III on a 51-yard pass to get into Rams territory after the interception. Two plays later, Beauchamp broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown run to make it 20-6

For McDonald, this one was a family affair coaching against his cousin Brian Vaughan for the first time after coaching alongside him for many years.

“I don’t like seeing that guy lose, but someone’s gotta lose when you guys play against each other,” McDonald acknowledged.

Rosario put the game well in hand after the Bulldogs defense stopped the Rams on fourth down. A five-play drive ended with Rosario throwing a shuffle pass to Thomas III, who juked a defender before finding the end zone to make it a 28-6 game late in the fourth.

A storybook season for Lynn English and the seniors who endured two coaching changes in four years had a perfect ending.

“I’m super proud of those guys and I’m very happy with how they played today,” added McDonald.