Photo by Connie McNamara – Alex Osborne tackles Solomon Locke during the Rams’ loss to Christian Heritage on Tuesday.
Christian Heritage defeated Catholic, 18-8, Tuesday evening in a hard fought, physical contest, claiming the ISC championship.
Catholic led going into the fourth quarter, but turnovers and Christian Heritage’s size advantage finally caught up with the Rams.
Catholic controlled the game early. Burning nearly the entire first quarter, Catholic scored on its opening possession as Alex Osborne scored a touchdown and then added the two-point conversion. The drive included a key third down when Christian Robinson hit Luke Smith on a 14-yard strike.
Heritage could manage little offense on its opening possession and was forced to punt. Andy McGann recorded multiple tackles for loss for the Rams during the series.
On its next possession Catholic moved into Heritage territory but suffered a turnover.
Heritage was unable to move the ball against Catholic, and again punted to the Rams. As the first half was coming to a close, Catholic lined up in shotgun formation. An errant snap was alertly picked up by Christian Thomas who streaked 45 yards into the end-zone giving Heritage its first points. The conversion attempt failed, and the score stood 8-6 Catholic at the half.
The third quarter continued the defensive struggle. In the fourth quarter Heritage began to move the ball, and were successful on a long run by Solomon Locke. The conversion failed, but the touchdown gave Heritage its first lead of the game.
Catholic threw an interception to Heritage, that added to the margin late in the game, providing a final score of 18-8.
The Catholic coaches praised the effort.
“Heritage has an outstanding team, they are large and physical. We stood toe to toe with them. What a great effort,” commented Coach Bucky Dearing.
Coach Billy Dearing added “we asked a couple of sixth graders to perform today. They were up for the challenge. Colin Robinson and Rily Roberts went above and beyond.”
The coaches said Jacob Howard, Cameron Elliot, Osborne, McGann, Connor McNamara were standouts on defense.
_ Anthony Jackson
Photo by Connie McNamara – Catholic’s Connor McNamara takes out two Christian Heritage linemen during the Rams’ ISC Championship game on Tuesday.
