by Wapakoneta, OH – The Central Catholic Fighting Irish (14-1) prevail over the Kings Mills Knights (13-2) in the Division II State Semifinals on Friday night.
QUARTER 1
In the opening quarter, Central Catholic drove down the field, but a stout Kings Mills defense, shut down the Fighting Irish on fourth-and-goal.
Central Catholic’s defense responded, forcing a quick three-and-out. Senior returner Javon Murphy, capitalized on the opportunity, finding the endzone on a 44-yard kickoff return.
The Fighting Irish landed on the board first with 4:43 remaining.
The Knights answered just two minutes later, as senior quarterback Will Kocher moved the chains and dove into the endzone for an 8-yard touchdown run.
QUARTER 2
The Knights offense built off of their momentum, finding the endzone just seconds into the second quarter.
Kocher connected with sophomore receiver Nate Lyman for a 64-yard touchdown reception.
The Irish fought back, putting together an 84-yard scoring drive.
On fourth-and-four, senior quarterback Tywaun Clark found senior receiver Braden Awls in the endzone, closing the gap with 9:47 remaining.
Kings Mills continued to dominate offensively, retaking the lead less than two minutes later. Senior receiver Michael Mussari, caught a pass near the right sideline, completing a 37-yard touchdown reception.
Central Catholic started off their next possession with great field position from another outstanding return, by sophomore Tyler Morgan.
In two plays, the Fighting Irish finished their scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by senior running back Chris Edmonds.
Central Catholic’s senior Brian Bishop executed a successful onside kick.
The Fighting Irish managed to get on the board yet again as junior receiver Marvon Greenlee caught Clark’s pass for a 62-yard touchdown reception.
With four seconds left, the Fighting Irish secured a ten-point lead over the Knights with a 48-yard field goal by Bishop.
Central Catholic was up 31-21 going into halftime.
QUARTER 3
Kings Mill opened the second half, with a scoring drive capped on a 33-yard touchdown reception by Mussari.
In Central’s Catholic’s opening possession, the Fighting Irish extended their lead, finishing with a 5-yard run by Edmonds.
The Knights attempted to close the gap, finding success in eight-plays, ending on a two-yard touchdown run by Kocher.
QUARTER 4
A threatening drive by Central Catholic was shut down, as first-year football player Brady Wik made a huge stop, forcing a fumble in front of the endzone for a touchback.
Kings Mills regained the lead, scoring on a 23-yard touchdown reception by Mussari, with 6:47 remaining.
The Fighting Irish answered as Clark connected with Greenlee for a 48-yard touchdown reception.
Battling back and forth with just minutes left, the Knights responded in five plays capped on a 50-yard touchdown reception by Lyman.
Central Catholic did not allow Kings Mills to hold the lead very long.
On the eleventh play, Edmonds completed a 5-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left in the contest.
In the Knights fighting efforts to tie up the game, Wik was short on a 34-yard field goal attempt for the final play of the game.
Central Catholic advances for the fifth time under Head Coach Greg Dempsey, with a suspenseful 52-49 finish.
Central Catholic’s senior running back Chris Edmonds paced the offense with three touchdown runs, 112 yards and 24 carries.
Next Up: Central Catholic will prepare for the State Championship against Akron Hoban on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
