Week 2 Review
After a thrilling and chaotic Week 1, we figured things might settle down a bit. That did not happen. In fact, we might’ve had some even crazier games than Week 1. From walk-off field goals to comeback victories, we just about saw it all in Week 2.
After Eureka’s victory against Troy in Week 1, we thought we wouldn’t see a game all year that topped that. However, we just might have. And guess what. This game had the same exact score. Friday night, the Spartans of De Smet traveled to downtown St. Louis to face the mighty Lions of Cardinal Ritter. Ritter got off to a blistering hot start, led by QB Rhylan Moore, and led 36-20 at halftime. However, the De Smet defense was able to step up and only allow 12 points the rest of the game. De Smet’s offense, led by RB Cam Sharp and QB Chase Cooper, inched their way back into the game, and sooner than later, made it into a 1 score game. After an incredibly efficient 2-minute drill by the De Smet offense, they found themselves in field goal range, where Sophomore kicker, Timmy Recker, would drill a walk-off game winning 41 Yard FG, with the De Smet team rushing on the field immediately following. This one was a game for the ages. De Smet follows this game up with a home game next Friday night against the CBC Cadets, while the Ritter Lions will be traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee to face the Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish.
While those 2 St. Louis powerhouses were playing each other, at the same exact time, right across the river, we had 2 other powerhouses playing each other. The Red Elephants of Gainesville Georgia made the long trip up to East St. Louis to play the Flyers. The East St. Louis offense, led by Reece Shanklin, was able to take care of business against their out of town opponent. East St. Louis found their points from 2 passing touchdowns from Shanklin, 3 field goals from Junior kick Austin Wilkinson, and a safety from their defense, all to add up to 24 points. The Red Elephants had a valiant effort to make this game interesting at the end, but a crucial dropped pass and lockdown defense from the Flyers allowed East St. Louis to squeak out this win. Next week, the Flyers will stay in their home stadium to face the Panthers of O’Fallon.
After winning one of the best games we have seen in a while, Eureka wanted to continue what they had started in Troy. And after the 1st quarter, that is what it looked like would happen. Eureka got out to a punishing 21-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Hannibal defense locked in and was able to hold their offense pretty much the rest of the game. After back and forth drives, Hannibal inched their way back into things. Eureka then bounced right back with a Sal Gianino 46 yard touchdown pass from Zac Kem, giving Eureka a 28-21 lead. Then after a defensive stop, it looked as if Eureka could just chew up the clock and call it a game. However, Hannibal had other plans. With the ball in their own territory with 2 minutes left in the game, Eureka fumbled the ball and Hannibal recovered. Hannibal then marched into the endzone with about 20 seconds left in the game to make it 27-28. And then, Eureka had an episode of deja vu. Hannibal did not want this game to go to overtime. They were going for 2. With no trickery needed, Hannibal punched it up the gut to take a 1 point lead over the Wildcats. Eureka made a solid attempt to march down the field with barely any time left, but another turnover from them sealed the game. Next week, the Wildcats will be traveling to Maryland Heights to play the Vikings of Parkway North.
Does anyone remember what happened on the Friday night of October 14, 2005? That is the last time SLUH has beat CBC in football. It has been 21 years. Let me remind you what life was like 21 years ago – actually, I can’t, because I was just an infant. In 2005, the Texas Longhorns won the national championship. In 2005, Tom Brady won his third career Super Bowl with the Patriots. That is how long it has been since SLUH beat CBC. And yet, this streak almost came to an end. After an early 7-0 lead from CBC, the roars of excitement from the SLUH fans could be heard from miles away. SLUH was doing the unthinkable. They were beating the CBC Cadets 17-7 AT Spinelli Field. And then the Cadets had other plans. After an unfortunate injury to the SLUH starting QB, the Cadets were able to claw their way back into the game and finish off the Jr. Billikens, 27-17. SLUH showed incredible heart and almost pulled off the unthinkable. Next week, they will be playing at Chaminade at 6:00 PM for another MCC matchup, while CBC will be traveling to De Smet to face off against the Spartans.
Finishing off our night of powerhouse matchups were the Falcons of Blair Oaks against the Crusaders of Lutheran North. After getting up to an early 13-0 first quarter lead, the Blair Oaks offense punched back, putting up 35 points in the second half, compared to Lutheran North’s 15. Lutheran North QB Johnathan Moore had a great game, passing for 235 Yards with 4 TDs while rushing for 106 yards as well. The Lutheran North defense just could not stop the Falcons when it mattered. Next week, Lutheran North will be traveling to the Chicago area to play Lincoln-Way Central in hopes of getting a win on the board.
Other Notable Games:
Valle Catholic 42 - Rockwood Summit 7
Top 10 Stat Performers of Week 2
1. Jack Kuda (Windsor) RB - 14 Rush Att, 285 Rushing Yds, 4 TDs, 20 yards per carry
2. Brody Slinkard (Lutheran South) QB - 28/39, 394 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 3 Ints
3. Carter Harris (Highland) RB - 278 Rush Yds , 3 Rush TDs, 1 Rec TD
4. Jax Ohren (Highland) QB - 28/38, 353 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 1 Int
5. Liam Sinclair (Orchard Farm) QB - 10/12 350 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 0 Int
6. Cody Shaver (St. Pius X) RB - 14 Rush Atts, 267 Rush Yds
7. Cam Sharp (De Smet) RB - 26 Rush Atts, 181 Yds, 3 TDs
8. Carter Hill (Washington) QB - 37 Rush Atts, 240 Yds
9. Kali Thomas (Vianney) WR - 7 Rec, 176 Yds, 2 TDs
10. Talon Clayton (Crystal City) WR - 194 Rec Yds