Photo by Connie McNamara – Andy McGann leads the way for Christian Robinson during Catholic’s 12-8 loss to Normal Park on Thursday.
Catholic’s unprecedented win streak stopped where it started in 2014, at Normal Park, coming up on the short end of a 12-8 final.
Catholic held Normal Park to one first down, and outgained the Lightening by over 200 yards. However, fumbles and the inability to score on three separate drives inside the 10-yard line resulted in Catholic’s undoing. Also, standout Alex Osborne missed much of the second half with an injury.
Catholic got on the scoreboard first. After a long 68-yard drive on the opening possession, quarterback Cameron Elliott scored on a keeper. Osborne scored the two-point conversion making the score 8-0.
Normal Park could generate little offense in the first half, and were forced to punt on each possession. Catholic defenders George Gribben, Andy McGann and Christian Robinson provided multiple tackles. On offense, Catholic moved the ball consistently, until reaching inside the red zone. Catholic had two different “first-and-goal” opportunities which resulted in no points. The Rams also suffered multiple fumbles.
The score stood 8-0 Catholic at the half.
The second half offered plenty of excitement. The Lightening hit pay dirt on a 54-yard pass play early in the fourth quarter.
The Rams were able to put together a drive that ended at Normal Park’s 38-yard line. The drive included a long pass completion to McGann.
With just under four minutes to play, Normal Park scored on a busted play when their speedy runner broke free from a tackle and ran toward and up the sideline in route to a 64-yard touchdown. The conversion failed and the scored stood 12-8 Normal Park.
Catholic put together a furious drive that ended at Normal Park’s 20-yard line. Normal Park was able to take a knee and end the exciting game.
Catholic’s record droped to 2-1, while Normal Park improved to 3-0.
Following the contest Coach Bucky Dearing commented “that was a tough game to lose, but very proud of our effort. No doubt we should be 3-0, but give credit to Normal Park, they are a solid team and took advantage of their opportunities.”
“We are much better this season than we ever imagined we’d be,” said Coach Billy Dearing following the game. “The work ethic and attitude of these boys is beyond impressive. I have no doubt we’ll bounce back.”
Catholic hosts Silverdale at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school next Thursday at 6 p.m.
_ Anthony Jackson.
Photo by Connie McNamara – Alex Osborne finds an opening during the first half of Catholic’s loss to Normal Park on Thursday. Osborne was injured and set out much of the second half of the game.
