By Jacob H. Pollon
Special to the Daily News
Posted: November 23, 2012, Daily News, Los Angeles

The third time in the semifinals was the charm for the Chaminade football team Friday night.

Chaminade had no trouble in a 45-7 blowout against Mission League rival Cathedral in a Western Division semifinal.

The Eagles intercepted Phantoms quarterback Hayden Rettig four times in the first half, scored 24 second-quarter points and didn’t have to rely heavily on star running back Terrell Newby.

Chaminade advances to the school’s first championship game in its 60-year history. The Eagles suffered two disappointing setbacks against Arroyo Grande in 2010 and last year in the semifinals.

“Terrell’s uncle died last week and he was in Alabama half this week,” Chaminade coach Ed Croson said. “It has been a real emotional week. We didn’t want to push him.”

Croson didn’t need to, he turned to junior Donovan Lee.

Lee had one of the four interceptions, rushed for a 22-yard touchdown, caught a 55-yard touchdown from Brad Kaaya and added a 26-yard scoring run in the third quarter.

“Terrell was injured and I know he wasn’t 100 percent,” Lee said. “I had to help the team out. We have worked so hard for the last three years and have come so close. I came out and did what I could.”

Lee finished with 67 yards on eight carries. Read More