Martha’s Vineyard defeated Nantucket 14-0 Saturday at Vito Capizzo Stadium on Nantucket, to capture the 35th Island Cup.
The Vineyarders dominated the game with a steady running attack, and took advantage of two early Whaler turnovers to post an early lead, then controlled the football and the clock the rest of the way.
Sophomore running back Jacob Cardoza scored both Vineyard touchdowns.
The defense sparked the first score, recovering a fumble to stop Nantucket’s opening drive.
On the Vineyarders’ second offensive play from scrimmage, Jacob Cardoza took a handoff and ran 66 yards for a touchdown to give his team a 6-0 lead.
The defense grabbed another fumble recovery on the next series, and again Martha’s Vineyard took advantage. Quarterback Tony Breth marched the team down the field. Jacob Cardoza capped the long drive with a four yard touchdown run. He also ran for the two-point conversion. The Vineyarders took a 14-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Vineyarders controlled the clock by running the ball and racking up first downs.
The defense shut out the Whalers offense, and sealed the win when Joe Turney intercepted a pass with less than three minutes left in the game.
The victory breaks a tie in the overall Island Cup series. Martha’s Vineyard now leads the competition for the Island Cup 18-17.
