Photo by Connie McNamara – Alex Osborne stretches for a first down during the Rams’ win over Boyd-Buchanan on Thursday.
Catholic defeated Boyd Buchanan, 14 -6, in middle school action Thursday.
The game was played on Billy Warren field at the OLPH campus. Festivities began when OLPH 8th grader Kenzie Campbell provided a stirring acapella Star Spangled Banner.
Both teams entered the contest without a loss. With the win, Catholic is currently on a 30-game win streak, the longest in the program’s 70-year history.
Catholic marched down the field on the opening drive, but were stymied after reaching the Boyd 10-yard line. Catholic’s defense was stingy, holding Boyd to minimal yards. Brock Barasha, Isha Davis and Jacob Howard all provided key stops during Boyd’s opening series.
Catholic had a touchdown called back on their second drive. Catholic was finally able to put points on the board after a 28-yard run by Alex Osborne, a fast and punishing runner. Key blocks by Andrew Petrin and Luke Smith helped open the running lane. Osborne added the two point conversion, and the scored stood 8-0 after a fast first half of action.
The second half began with Catholic able to pin Boyd back in their own territory. Andy McGann had a monster day on defense, and added three sacks on top of several solo tackles.
Catholic mounted another drive in the third quarter, resulting in another Osborne touchdown. The drive was kept alive by a key pass from quarterback Cameron Elliott to standout Christian Robinson.
Catholic’s final drive ended with a fumble on the Boyd 9-yard line. Catholic’s defensive line (George (Sam) Gribben, McGann, Christian Kidwell and Connor McNamara) kept the Boyd running game at bay until late in the contest after the game was essentially decided. Boyd scored on a 91- yard run to close out the evening, making the final 14-6.
Following the contest Coach Billy Dearing stated, “It’s always great to win over a quality football program like Boyd. Prior to 2012 we rarely beat them. It’s nice to have turned the tables since then.”
“These boys played their heart out today,” said Coach Bucky Dearing. “We were battling injuries to a few key players. Very Proud of the focus and effort tonight.”
Catholic is at Normal Park next Thursday in a battle of unbeatens. Kick-off is at 6pm.
_ Anthony Jackson
Photo by Connie McNamara – The Catholic defense gang tackles a Bucs runner during Thursday’s game.
