by Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio – Behind a strong offensive performance, Walsh Jesuit capped off its senior night with a 45-15 victory over conference foe NDCL.
The Warriors, who entered Friday’s game in 9th place in Division II, Region 5 came out strong.
They capped off their opening drive with a two-yard touchdown run from senior running back Jack Romanini.
But NDCL struck back with a play of their own, capitalizing when Jacob Koenig tossed an 80-yard score to Ryan Niksa off a flea-flicker. The ensuing point after was blocked, and Walsh Jesuit held the lead, 7-6.
On their next drive, senior quarterback Matt Natale led the Warriors down the field again, capping things off with a 28-yard toss to wide receiver Trey Bell. This put the Warriors ahead, 14-6.
But the offense wasn’t done yet. After a punt pinned them inside their own one-yard line, Romanini took a handoff and sprinted down the sideline. The run of 84 yards set Walsh Jesuit up in the red zone.
However, the NDCL defense held, and Walsh Jesuit had to settle for a 29-yard field goal off the leg of Cooper Kirda.
The Warriors would add to their lead in the second quarter. Matt Natale drove down the field once again, capping the drive with a 20-yard touchdown toss to Kenyon Marshall. He had four catches for 47 yards and a score.
Later in the half, Jack Romanini would punch it in from a yard out to increase the lead to 31-6. He had five carries for 93 yards and two scores.
Moments later, sophomore linebacker Brock Sherman picked a pass off and headed to the house. After a fumble, his teammate Tyrin Rodgers recovered the ball in the end zone.
The officials deliberated, and would rule the play a touchdown. This score gave Walsh Jesuit a 38-6 lead.
On the next possession, senior running back Matt Ferrell broke off a big gainer on the ground to put NDCL in the red zone.
From there, sophomore quarterback Tyler Newton (replacing Jacob Koenig due to injury) sprinted in from ten yards out for a score. The ensuing two-point try failed, and Walsh Jesuit went into the locker room up 38-12.
In the third quarter, junior Justin Bremner took it in from a yard out to pad the lead to 45-12. This score also triggered the running clock.
With 1:13 left in the game, NDCL junior kicker Gianni Spetic kicked a 33-yard field goal for the final points.
Walsh Jesuit (5-2, 2-0 Crown Conference) travels to Lake Catholic next Friday night to continue conference play.
NDCL (4-3, 0-1 Crown Conference) hosts Padua next Friday night to continue conference play.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Walsh Jesuit QB Matt Natale (Senior)
The senior quarterback went 12 of 17 passing for 156 yards and two scores. He completed passes to six different receivers.
Nice Tony