Photo by Kathy McNamara – Alex Osborne fights for yardage in Catholic’s win over Lookout Valley.
Catholic wrapped up another successful campaign with a 30-6 victory over Lookout Valley, to close out the season with a 7-2 record.
Andy McGann had a phenomenal day, recording 21 tackles. Alex Osborne once again led the team in rushing and scoring, notching three touchdowns. Cameron Elliot, Christian Robinson and Luke Smith also scored for Catholic.
The coaches offered high praise for several underclassmen who contributed. Six graders Rily Roberts, Keegan Schafleutzel and Colin Robinson played pivotal roles in the contest.
“We have high hopes for next season given the number of returning players who did so well this year. Isha Davis, George Gribben, Andrew Petrin, Jacob Howard and Brock Barasha have proven they are ready,” said Coach Bucky Dearing.
After back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2015 and 2016, 2017 was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Catholic. Coach Billy Dearing offered that no one predicted Catholic would have such an impressive season.
“We’ve had one losing season in twenty years, and many predicted 2017 would be the second. Far from it, we outplayed our opponent in every contest, and are once again Choo Choo Bowl champions – – I’ve never been more proud of a team,” said Dearing.
“Alex Osborne is probably the best player in the league, and he had tremendous support, especially from fellow 8th graders McGann, Connor McNamara, Christian Kidwell, Smith, Jack McConnell and Robinson. This 8th grade class displayed great leadership and sportsmanship, we will miss them.”
The coaches pointed to victories over Boyd Buchanan and Grace as highlights of the season.
“Those were fantastic contests” offered Coach Dearing. “Few things are better than having your team give its best effort, and then winning a close contest against a quality opponent.”
_ The ISC announced its All-Conference team. Three Catholic players are recognized as “All-Conference” – – Alex Osborne, Andy McGann and Christian Robinson.
Photo by Bob Purcell – Christian Robinson, Alex Osborne and Andy McGann recognized as All Conference.
