Minson's 3 TD passes help St. Dominic snap long drought

St. Dominic won its first football playoff game in 51 years, according to coach Rocco Del Giorno.

The fourth-seeded Bayhawks defeated No. 5 Christ the King, 27-16, to advance to the CHSFL AA-II semifinals.

“It was huge. We’ve been waiting for this a long time,” Del Giorno said. “These kids like creating legacies. Kids like being a part of big things.”

Freshman quarterback Ray Minson threw three touchdown passes. Aaron Bengtsson caught three passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns, and Anthony Branscum rushed for 170 yards and a score. Nick Lang added five catches for 80 yards and an interception.

Minson’s development has helped the Bayhawks extend their season.

“He’s really progressed so much with his confidence and control of the offense,” Del Giorno said. “Right before he goes out on the field, I tell him, ‘Go have fun and run my offense.’ And he says, ‘Yes, sir,’ every single time, and he goes and does it.”

St. Dominic (4-5) now faces a rematch with top-seeded Mount St. Michael in the semifinals at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Bayhawks lost the regular-season meeting, 27-0, two weeks ago, but Del Giorno believes his small roster can compete.

“A play here and a play there and we’re right in that game,” Del Giorno said. “We’re confident that we can stay with them, and we’re going to give them a run for their money.”