Catholic Defeats Chattanooga Christian in Football Opener

Photo by Connie McNamara – Cameron Elliot looks for open receiver downfield during Catholic’s win over Chattanooga Christian.

Catholic defeated Chattanooga Christian 36-7 in the season opener for each team. The contest was held at Chattanooga Christian’s Charger field.

Catholic, a cooperative football team comprised of students from OLPH (East Ridge) and St. Jude (Hixson), enjoyed the program’s 29th straight victory with the win.

Catholic’s first two touchdowns were scored by speedy runner Christian Robinson. Robinson also added a two point conversion. Standout Alex Osborne scored three touchdowns in the contest, and gained over 200 yards rushing. Qarterback Cameron Elliot added a two point conversion and several pass completions.

Catholic’s interior line _ Andrew Petrin, Christian Kidwell, Connor McNamara and George Gribben _ opened a majority of the running lanes. Andy McGann led the defense, assisted by Isha Davis.

Coach Billy Dearing offered praise for the “team effort.”

“A lot of young men stepped up and played great today,” he said. “Seeing Jacob Howard lay a great block on our first score indicates we have a chance for a successful season.”

When asked about the back-to-back undefeated seasons and 29-game win streak, Coach Bucky Dearing added “it’s a testament to the work the boys have put in, and it’s nice. But our focus is on each young man doing his best, and enjoying the process.”

Catholics’ next contest is Thursday, August 24 when OLPH plays host to Boyd Buchanan School. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

_ Anthony Jackson

About Dick Cook

Dick Cook has lived in East Ridge since the Kennedy Administration when his parents bought a house on Marietta Street. Dick graduated from ERHS in 1976 before going on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he studied Political Science. Dick worked for the Chattanooga Free-Press and the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 22 years. Free-Press Sports Editor Roy Exum plucked him out of production in 1989 and gave him a job as a sports reporter. Dick covered everything from prep sports to the whitewater events on the Ocoee River for the 1996 Olympics. When Chattanooga's two paper's merged, he became the Crime Reporter covering both the Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments. He was among reporters who were honored by the Associated Press for the TFP's coverage of the 2002 fog-shrouded crash on I-75 in Catoosa County, Dick and his wife, Cathy, live on Marlboro Avenue where they are seen frequently chasing around their three grandsons.

About Dick Cook

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