COLLINGSWOOD (N.J.) - The Cinnaminson High School football team looked for its second consecutive 2-0 start after a 45-0 win against Palmyra to open the season.
The Pirates achieved their goal with a 26-7 victory over Collingswood.
Cinnaminson shot out to an early 12-0 lead with touchdowns in the first and second quarter from Gavin Prendergast on a pass from Brian Finerghty and a two-yard rushing touchdown by Kyle Willis.
Collingswood answered back right before halftime as Joseph Pritchett scrambled into the end zone from six yards to make it 12-7 at the break.
The Pirates pulled away in the fourth quarter with backup quarterback, and usual starting wide receiver, Michael Beers throwing up a prayer to Prendergast and letting him do the rest to power his way into the end zone.
Willis put the game on ice as he broke free untouched for a 36-yard house call and took the breath out of the Collingswood sideline.
Cinnaminson's Gavin Prendergast sparked the Pirates offense as he hauled in four catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns Cinnaminson's 26-7 win in the football game played at Collingswood High School in Collingswood, New Jersey on Friday, September 1, 2023. Chris Baker/D2 Sports Network
Prendergast finished the game with four catches for 110 yards and a pair of scores while Willis accrued 84 yards on 15 carries and a pair of touchdowns.
Cinnaminson coach Mario Patrizi and the Pirates' sideline held their breath when Beers threw up the hail mary to Prendergast.
"We had faith in Michael because when he started high school, he was a quarterback as a freshman and sophomore," Patrizi said. "Once that ball was released we just held our breath and wondered what would happen next and it just so happened to result in Gavin breaking free for a touchdown."
Prendergast himself wasn't satisfied with his own play. However, his main focus was that the team got the win.
"I probably could've played better on defense," Prendergast said. "I'm happy we got the win. That's the ultimate goal and what I'm primarily focused on.
"Everyone did their part. We have some things to clean up as we move along but we'll let tonight's win soak in for now."