Photo by Robin Bambrey – Fullback Bennett Brinson looks for an open receiver on a trick play during Catholic’s win over Sale Creek in the “Choo-Choo Bowl.”
Catholic was crowned “Choo Choo Bowl” champion after a 38-8 victory over Sale Creek, Saturday at OLPH.
It was the twenty-sixth running of the Choo Choo Bowl, and likely the hottest one yet as temperatures soared to 95 degrees. Despite the heat, it was festive at OLPH as the school hosted its annual Fall festival.
Pageantry filled the air as Catholic was led during the “Ram Walk” by a 6-foot four-inch bagpipe player, whose repertoire included an Irish war march that quickly transformed to “Rocky Top.” Following the grand entrance, the crowd was treated to a stirring rendition of the National Anthem sung by talented OLPH sixth grader Kenzie Campbell. OLPH girl scout troop 40202 served as color guard and the OLPH pep band was on hand, providing a great atmosphere for a middle school football game. Bob Purcell served as honorary captain.
It was then back to business for Catholic as they put on a dominating performance for the large crowd. Remarkably, eight different Catholic players scored during the contest.
Catholic’s first score was a trick play. Fullback Bennett Brinson took a deep hand-off, and, as he approached the line, Brinson stopped and threw a “jump pass” to Tucker Berry, who was all alone behind the Panther defenders. Alex Osborne added the two-point conversion giving Catholic a quick 8-0 lead.
The Rams next score came courtesy of the old “statue of liberty.” Eric Lindsey took the ball from the quarterback and scampered 44 yards into the end zone. Lindsey received a timely block from Boston Eberly on the play. The conversion failed, and Catholic led 14-0.
The Rams next score was a 28-yard run by speedy running back Charlie Menham. For the conversion, Catholic once again reached into its bag of tricks and ran the “pole-cat.” Landen Cooling scored, making it 22-0 as the first quarter came to a close.
The Rams had two more scores in the first half. Center Ben Bambrey lined up at tight-end, and ran a “fly” pattern. Quarterback C. J. Petrin threw a perfect strike that Bambrey hauled in like an old pro, shed two would be tacklers, and streaked into the end zone. Andy McGann added the extra points, moving the score to 30-0.
Catholic’s final score came via defense, when Osborne returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown. Maverick Tucker, Catholic’s talented 248lb offensive guard and nose tackle, converted the two-point try to make it 38-0 at the half.
Sale Creek put together a drive in the fourth quarter when Bryce Davis punched the ball into the end-zone. Final score, 38-8 Catholic.
With the win, Catholic moves to 8-0 on the season and recorded its 25th straight victory.
Following the contest Coach Billy Dearing commented that this year’s Catholic team has earned a nickname, “the TCB crew — they never get too high or low, but always take care of business.”
The coaches offered praise for the 7th graders who stepped up when given the opportunity. “Christian Robinson, Jacob Howard and Luke Smith showed they are ready for middle school action,” provided Dearing. The coach was also complimentary of the show put on by OLPH.
“OLPH school was a big winner today, a fun setting and everyone feels welcome,” he said.
NOTES: Defensive Captain Bennett Brinson had a third straight game with an interception; Ben Bambrey recorded six pancake blocks, had two sacks and scored a touchdown. Catholic’s defense forced four turnovers.
The Rams next game is at Grace this Thursday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m.
_ L.D. Scott
Photo by Robin Bambrey – Isha Davis looks for a running lane during Catholic’s win over Sale Creek Saturday in the “Choo-Choo Bow.”
