Photo by Kelly Petrin – Andy McGann (56) opens a running lane for Christian Robinson during the Rams’ win over St. Rose on Thursday.

Catholic took on the Saint Rose Stars of Murfreesboro in a cross-state parochial school match-up, emerging with a  32-12 win, Thursday.

The margin of victory was due in large measure to excellent special teams play, including the Rams recovering two on-side kicks during the first half.

Catholic generated little offense on its first possession and turned the ball over on downs.  Saint Rose took possession on its own 37-yard line.  On its’ first play, Saint Rose attempted a pass to the flat.  Catholic Corner Luke Smith made a play on the ball, intercepted it, and streaked to the two yard line.  Alex Osborne scored on the next play.

Catholic coaches credited Luke’s play with setting the tone for the game.

“Luke got us on track, and our line played well all afternoon” commented Coach Billy Dearing following the game.  “It was great to see McNamara, Petrin and Kidwell step up.” 

Catholic received additional scores from Andy McGann, Christian Robinson and Cameron Elliott. Osborne enjoyed another multi-score, 200-plus yard game.  Lineman Andy McGann took full advantage when given the opportunity to run the ball, scoring from 52-yards out. 

“Andy is usually the one creating the running lanes, it was fun to see him get a chance to run the ball” said Coach Dearing.

Catholic is set to play Saturday in the “Choo-Choo Bowl” against Sale Creek.  It is the twenty-seventh running of the Bowl game.

“We play this game annually to honor former Coach Don Waters,” Coach Bucky Dearing provided.  “He meant a lot to this program and to a lot of kids during his 16 years of coaching at OLPH.”

The traditional “Ram-Walk” is at 10:15, and kick-off is 10:30.  The game will be played at Billy Warren field at OLPH on South Moore Road.

_ Anthony Jackson

Photo by Kelly Petrin – Coach Billy Dearing points to Luke Smith as setting the tone for the game. Smith returned an intercepted pass to St. Rose’s 2-yard line, setting up the Rams’ first score.