Embarrassment Turns to Triumph
Mount Carmel’s Nathan Samuels couldn’t hide his embarrassment during a game broadcast on national TV. The senior running back witnessed his team conceding two touchdowns on special teams along with a safety. Determined to change the narrative, Samuels took matters into his hands. For their game against St. Joseph Regional of New Jersey, Mount Carmel faced a 30-0 deficit. Then, Samuels executed a game-changing fake punt.
“The sideline was down, the whole country’s watching us and the coaches just talked about playing through adversity,” Samuels said. “After that run, you could feel the momentum change.”
Game-Changing Performance
Samuels’ decisive action on the fake punt led to a 47-yard run, spurring Mount Carmel to a 48-44 comeback victory in Chicago. The team turned a 30-point deficit into a stunning win as senior quarterback Brady Cloherty unleashed seven touchdown passes. Cloherty delivered an impressive performance, completing 26 out of 41 passes for 309 yards. Following the fake punt on a fourth-and-9, Cloherty hit junior receiver Marshaun Thornton for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Thornton contributed two touchdown catches as Mount Carmel outscored St. Joseph 48-14 over a 29-minute stretch.
“That 47-yard run changed everything and brought us the momentum we needed,” Cloherty remarked. “Nate is a great player who can do everything. He’s athletic but also a very tough player.”
Key Plays and Achievements
Key performances followed, with Michigan-bound senior receiver Quentin Burrell catching a 35-yard touchdown pass for the winning score. Samuels continued to impress, adding 102 yards on 12 carries and 45 yards on two catches. The pivotal run changed the dynamic of the game after Mount Carmel was denied on a fourth-and-short early in the match.
“We’ve always been aggressive about going for it on fourth down,” Coach Jordan Lynch commented. “Nate made the play, got free and it opened up much after that.”
Samuels, who will head to Lindenwood, showcased his skills with another significant 29-yard run later in the game. He had previously led the Caravan with 719 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
“I’m a very versatile back,” Samuels said. “The coaches know that. I thought it was great to be able to use the fake punt.”
Inspiration and Family Support
Samuels credited his success to the memory of his grandfather, who introduced him to football at a young age. Despite initial challenges, this early exposure laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
“He forced me on the field when I was younger and that turned out just to be amazing,” Samuels recalled.
His father, a four-sport athlete, and uncle, a former college running back, also provided strong athletic role models. Samuels himself excels in track as a sprinter, adding another dimension to his capabilities. As a freshman, he began to see rapid improvement in his skills.
The support from his family, particularly his brother Ethan—now at Wabash Valley junior college—helped Samuels grow personally.
“Having battles with my brother was a big part of my personal development,” Nathan said.
The game against St. Joseph Regional is a memory that Samuels values dearly.
“We’ve obviously won state championships every year I’ve been here, but this is right up there with my greatest experiences ever,” he said.