Hunter scores 4 TDs as St. John the Baptist takes title
Derelle Hunter breaks tackles for extra yards against St. Peter's in the CHSFL Class A final. (Nov. 13, 2010) Credit: Joe Rogate
Derelle Hunter already had accumulated more than 2,000 rushing yards for the season. Saturday, he had his encore.
Hunter scampered for 214 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries to lead host No. 1 St. John the Baptist to a 29-6 victory over No. 2 St. Peter's (4-6) in the CHSFL Class A championship.
Hunter finished the season with 2,294 rushing yards, the fifth highest total in Suffolk County history.
"Our offense revolves around Derelle, but our players know that if one guy of 11 doesn't do his assignment, he won't be able to get the job done,'' St. John coach Keith Schweers said.
After holding St. Peter's on its first possession, St. John took over at the 45. On the Cougars' sixth play from scrimmage, Hunter broke free for a 9-yard TD run.
Hunter carried the offensive load and Chris McCarthy led the defense with nine tackles.
After St. Peter's chose to receive the opening kickoff, McCarthy said he and the St. John defense had all the motivation it needed.
"Our defense took that as a challenge and came out fired up,'' Schweers said.
After taking a 20-0 halftime lead, St. John (5-5) opened the second half with a 13-play, nine-minute drive. Hunter's fourth TD, a 21-yard run, capped the drive and increased the lead to 26.
After an inconsistent campaign, St. John ends it on a winning note.
"It's a great feeling,'' Schweers said. "I don't care what championship level you are awarded. A championship is something that can't be taken away from you. I know we had our ups and downs, but we played some great competition along the way.''
