Photo by Kelly Petrin – Isha Davis embraces Coach Billy Dearing after Catholic’s win over Grace Academy.
Catholic closed out the 2018 season with an impressive 46-14 on-the-road victory over Grace Baptist Academy.
Catholic began the contest with an impressive five-play, 53-yard drive culminating with a 20-yard touchdown run from Isha Davis. Andrew Petrin and Ian Scott provided the key blocks on the scoring play. Cal Brown added the 2 point conversion.
Catholic had a “bend but don’t break” defensive stand, with George “Big Daddy” Gribben mounting two sacks. Catholic took over possession on its own 18 yard line.
Isha Davis once again hit pay dirt with a lightning fast 72- yard TD scamper. Brock Barasha provided the 2-point conversion, moving the score to 16-0 Catholic. Davis finished the game with more than 300 yards of total offense.
Grace was able to move the ball through the air on its next possession, driving the ball into Catholic territory. Grace scored on a Tim Whitson pass to Jacob Parker. The point after attempt failed when Eli Cowan and Petrin sacked Whitson. Catholic led 16-6.
Catholic again mounted a solid drive moving the ball to the Grace 25 yard line. Cal Brown then scored his first-ever touchdown on a 25-yard run, with great blocking from Charles Lathram, Keegan Schafluetzel and Will Menham. The conversion attempt failed, leaving a score of 22-6.
Grace once again went to the air, driving the ball to the Catholic 38 yard line, before Isha Davis picked off a pass and returned it 72 yards for an apparent touchdown. The TD was called back due to a penalty, and Catholic took possession on its own 48 yard line.
On the very next play quarterback Jack Shutters threw a perfect strike to Davis, who hauled in the ball and scored on the 40-yard play. It was the third touchdown of the half for Davis, who finished the game with nearly 300 yards of production. Gribben added the extra points behind a key block from Rily Roberts, leaving a score of 30-6 at the half.
Photo by Kelly Petrin – Team Captain George “Big Daddy” Gribben leaves field after final Middle School game.
Catholic’s defense continued to play strong with several younger players contributing. Patrick Osborne, Mason Sims and Wilson Hagen all had big stops. Ian Scott added a sack.
Catholic took possession of the ball on Grace’s 30 yard line. Menham had two carries for 25 yards moving the ball to the 5 yard line. Brock Barasha then scored his first ever touchdown. Shutters added the extra points, moving the score to 38-6.
Grace once again went to the air, and after a long drive scored again on a Jacob Parker reception. After a successful conversion, the score stood 38-14. Gribben took the ensuing kick-off to the house on a 68-yard TD return. Shutters again added the conversion, leaving a final score of 46-14 Catholic.
The win was the 170th for the Dearing brothers who have coached Catholic for 21 years. Coach Bucky Dearing commented, “if you measure a team by improvement, this was a very successful team – – a lot of heart, and hard work. Most have no idea how much work these boys put in. I’m proud to have coached these young men. And I am especially thankful for the young guys on our coaching staff – – Matt Madron, Patrick Healy and Adam Spicer.”
When asked about the career victory total Coach Billy Dearing provided “nothing can beat coaching with my brother and dear friend Michael Blake, because at the end of the day, it’s not the wins and losses, but the relationships that matter. It’s an honor to spend so much time with so many fine people and players that make up Catholic Football.”
Photo by Kelly Petrin – Catholic celebrates season ending victory.
