The actual statistic says it took Eli Godfrey 87 yards to score a game-winning touchdown, but in reality, it took him a whole lot more real estate than that.

That explains why the unassuming junior spent the next few minutes hunched over on the sideline trying to catch his breath while teammates and coaches congratulated him on a kickoff return that was truly riveting.

A few minutes later, junior teammate Aaron Hudson intercepted a pass in the end zone, and undefeated Haverford School was able to capture a riveting 29-22 victory over visiting Father Judge Saturday afternoon in a game that seemed way more intense than your average non-league tilt.

“Would have been tough to lose a game like that,” said Godrey, who also returned a kickoff for a touchdown last year against Archbishop Ryan. “I was just trying to follow my blocks and make a play. Just look for a hole and follow it. I wasn't thinking about a touchdown until I got to around the 50." 

Godrey, who for the past two weeks had been sidelined by a knee sprain, said he picked up a key block from senior Keyveat Postell that allowed him to cut left and, aided by two broken tackles, find the end zone with 5:01 remaining in regulation. Postell then caught a two-point conversion pass from junior quarterback Tommy Toal, and just like that, the Fords had turned a 22-21 deficit into a 29-22 lead.

Toal was making only his second varsity start following a season-ending injury to former QB starter Kevin Carter. Similar to his performance in last week’s 41-6 romp over Penn Wood, Toal was sensational. He completed 16 of 24 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

“We haven’t skipped a beat with him at quarterback,” said senior all-around standout Dox Aitken. “He’s been competing to be a starter every single week.”

Following a 40-yard kickoff return by senior Yeedee Thaenrat and a string of productive rushes, the Crusaders (4-2 overall) moved to the Haverford three-yard line with 1:12 left.

But the Fords’ defense stiffened and, on fourth down, Hudson sealed the victory with an interception deep inside the end zone, thus securing Haverford School a perfect 5-0 record heading into its Inter-Ac League opener against Penn Charter Friday afternoon.

“That was a great, great, great football win against a very good football team,” Haverford coach Mike Murphy told his players later. “That’s an identity win right there.”

The Fords dominated much of the first half and, behind two touchdown passes of 12 and 33 yards from Toal to Aitken, led 14-3. But Father Judge regained its footing through the strong legs of Thaenrat, who contributed 107 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries while adding several solid kick returns.

Thaenrat’s 10-yard touchdown early in the third quarter cut the Crusaders’ deficit to 14-10, but Toal’s third TD – a 65-yard completion to Postell (three catches for 98 yards and one touchdown) in which he broke a tackle at the 50 and raced the rest of the way untouched – gave Haverford School a 21-10 lead.

Back came the Crusaders. With 8:06 left in the fourth quarter, junior QB Rob King (10 for 25 for 139 yards passing; 11 carries for 165 yards and a touchdown rushing) bolted 45 yards for a score. After an unofficial school-record 70-yard punt by Aitken pinned Judge back on its own 19, King lumbered 53 yards to the Haverford 28. On the next play, Thaenrat sped 28 yards for a go-ahead TD.

With five minutes still to play, Haverford School was suddenly trailing.

"We were a little deflated on the sideline,” said Aitken, who finished with four catches for 59 yards and two scores on offense and provided several key plays defensively at free safety, not to mention the booming punt. “We definitely needed a big play, and we got one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

Godfrey’s heroics, a highlight-reel jaunt if there ever was one, saved the day.

(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)