Photo by Connie McNamara – Christian Robinson fights for yardage during Catholics’ win over Grace, Thursday at Notre Dame’s Jim Eberle Field.
Catholic upended Grace 28-22 in an “instant classic” played under the lights at Notre Dame’s Jim Eberle field, Thursday. The epic back-and-forth contest ended with a goal line stand.
“Both teams are to be commended for the no quit effort shown tonight” stated Catholic Coach Billy Dearing. “This is one of those incredible contests the boys will never forget.”
Grace’s Colton Rice provided the first score of the evening with a rumbling 22-yard run. The big and tough runner also added the conversion, giving Grace an 8-0 lead. Catholic responded when standout Alex Osborne scored from 12 yards out. Christian Robinson added the extra points, knotting the score 8-8.
Grace put together a long drive on its next possession, scoring on a 14-yard run by Cooper Knecht. Grace completed a pass for the conversion, moving the score to 16-8. Catholic responded with a long drive of its own. Catholic managed to get to the Grace 9-yard line with only five seconds remaining in the second quarter. On the last play of the half Osborne added another touchdown, led by linemen Andy McGann and Christian Kidwell. The conversion attempt failed, and the score stood 16-14 Grace at the half.
Rice added another score for Grace mid-way through the third quarter, extending Grace’s lead to 22-14. Catholic’s next possession included a couple of pass completions from quarterback Cameron Elliott to Robinson. Catholic scored again with a Robinson run, following lead blocker Andrew Petrin. The conversion failed, and the score stood 22-20 entering the fourth quarter.
Catholic’s defense stopped Grace on its next possession, with key tackles from Connor McNamara, Isha Davis, Jacob Howard and George “Big Daddy” Gribben. Catholic took the lead with just over three minutes to go when Osborne scored his third touchdown of the night. Robinson added the conversion, giving Catholic a 28-22 lead.
Grace put together an impressive drive as the clock become a factor. Big gains by Rice and Knecht moved Grace all the way to Catholic’s five. Grace had one final play. Grace’s quarterback rolled right, escaping pressure from a hard charging McGann, then threw to the wing in the flat near the goal line. The pass was narrowly swatted away by Catholic corner Luke Smith, allowing Catholic to escape with the win.
Coach Bucky Dearing praised the effort shown by both teams. “A lot of young men gave it their all tonight, players for both teams should be extremely proud.”
Catholic’s next contest is Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. CDT in Murfreesboro, TN against Saint Rose.
_ Anthony Jackson
