Rebidue, Despres lead way to English Powder Puff victory over Classical

LYNN ? It was a tale of two quarterbacks and two running backs at Saturday’s Powder Puff game between the senior girls of English and the senior girls of Classical. English won, 24-22.English’s quarterback-running back combo of Aleasha Despres and Kristi Rebidue, respectively, scored for the team from Goodridge Street. Classical quarterback Christina McKenzie may not have scored any points, but she was one of the main reasons the team did. Running back Shamara Lopez was practically unstoppable.Classical opened up the scoring in the first quarter when Shante Berry ran for a 1-yard touchdown followed by a Lopez 2-point conversion. English finally got on the board in the second quarter when Despres kept the ball and ran 25 yards for a touchdown; the 2-point conversion failed. On Classical’s next possession, Lopez ran from 10 yards out to make the score 14-6 after the 2-point conversion failed. Classical was building momentum when Amanda Stevens made a nice over-the-shoulder catch, good for 16 yards, but the O’Callaghan Way team could not finish the drive before time ran out, leaving the score 14-6 at halftime.English opened up the scoring in the third quarter when Despres threw for 10 yards to hit Rebidue, who went in for the touchdown. Despres scored the 2-point conversion on a quarterback sneak. Classical was unable to score on its next play and gave English good field position to start its drive. Despres ran from 11 yards out on the quarterback sneak again to make the score 22-14 after Rebidue converted the extra two points. A safety on Classical’s next drive would make the score 24-14, English. Classical would score a touchdown in the final minute of play when Lopez ran for 50 yards into the end zone and then added the extra two points.Former English all-star football player Chris Carroll was the head coach of the Powder Puff team this year, having coached the team two years ago when he was a senior at English. He’s had some luck against Classical and used it to help the team.”2-0 coaching against Classical, 6-0 in total against Classical,” Carroll said while celebrating with his players. “I want to coach again.”Carroll could not stop praising his team.”We played well,” he said. “They worked so hard.”Classical coach Barbara Greer had nothing but praise for her players as well.”I am proud of my girls,” she said. “They played hard from beginning to end. I am proud to be their coach.”