St. Edward Tops Hoban 14-7 in Defensive Slugfest

With near-constant rain from the beginning of the contest, St. Edward (9-1) rode a big second half from RB Brandon White to take down Hoban (8-1) 14-7. After starting QB Casey Bullock left the game due to injury, backup Thomas Csyani handed the rock to White, who rushed for 130 yards and the deciding touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Defense Leads the Way

After being forced to punt on their opening drive, the Knights’ defense wasted no time making its presence felt. On the Eagles’ second play from scrimmage, LB Eli Lee stepped in the way of a Casey Bullock pass and returned it six yards for a touchdown, putting Hoban up 7-0 early.

Despite allowing their first first downs of the game, St. Edward forced another Hoban punt on the next drive, getting the ball back on their 9-yard line. A 44-yard scramble from Bullock moved the Eagles near the Knights’ red zone, and six plays later, LB Nate Gregory took a fourth-down handoff into the endzone to tie things up at 7-7 early in the second.

Both teams traded punts on their next drives, and Hoban got one more shot to score before the half. The Knights would get all the way to the Eagles’ 4-yard line but could not punch it in as the St. Ed’s defense stood firm. At the half, the game was tied at 7-7.

All Defense, All Day

Much like the first half, the defenses took center stage as rain poured down on Dowed Field in the second half. Of the first seven drives in the second half, the teams combined for just one first down, coming from the Eagles on their second possession.

With time running out, St. Edward started a drive on their own 10-yard line. While he had been held somewhat in check, sophomore Brandon White exploded on the drive, carrying the ball ten times in eleven plays for 78 yards and a touchdown with just over three minutes remaining, giving the Eagles a 14-7 lead.

Needing a touchdown to stay alive, Hoban went into their bag of tricks on the second play and attempted a WR pass, but St. Edward was looking for it and forced an incompletion. The Knights would punt the ball back to the Eagles in hopes of getting one more possession, but White picked up 11 yards, and St. Edward held on for a 14-7 victory.

Keys to the Game

While the weather likely played a part, both defenses were on point, refusing to give up first downs and keeping the clock running. Hoban allowed just two long drives on the evening, but that was enough for St. Edward to come away with the victory.

After QB Casey Bullock came out of the half on crutches, Thomas Csyani again had his name called in one of the season’s biggest games. While he did not find much success through the air, the junior avoided turnovers and did enough to lead his team to victory.

Next Week

The loss is Hoban’s first of the season and wraps up their regular season at 8-1. While the state awaits the conclusion of tomorrow’s games before announcing playoff seeding, the Knights are projected as the top seed in Region 5. They are currently projected to play Benedictine, according to JoeEitel.com.

With the victory, the Eagles will likely finish as the top seed in Region 1 and be in position to host two playoff games. St. Edward is currently projected to host Elyria in round one, according to JoeEitel.com.

Top Performers

St. Edward Eagles

Brandon White: 25 carries 130 yards TD

Casey Bullock: 3-8 63 yards 2 INT    2 carries 46 yards

Kyan Mason: 5 carries 12 yards    1 catch 50 yards

Archbishop Hoban Knights

Brayton Feister: 23 carries 70 yards

Tylan Boykin: 6-14 35 yards    5 carries 17 yards

Payton Cook: 3 catches 21 yards

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Hoban 10:01- Eli Lee, 6-yard interception return (Burns kick good)

2nd Quarter

St. Edward 8:04- Nate Gregory, 1-yard run (Moyer kick good)

4th Quarter

St. Edward 3:39- Brandon White, 13-yard run (Moyer kick good)