by It’s week four in the realm of high school football, and there’s nothing better than two powerhouse teams going at it as the visiting St. Ignatius Wildcats took on the 3-0 Walsh Jesuit Warriors in a sellout crowd.
The Wildcats come into this game after putting on a show against Mentor 51-7, sending a message to the rest of the Ohio High School Football world, on track to be a powerhouse once more.
Saint Ignatius did just that, as Junior Warrior Night started with a three-and-out from the home team offense, and the Wildcats taking an early 7-0 lead, followed by a second drive surge from quarterback David Ternosky where he threw a rollout endzone fade pass intended for WR Cambell Lann—that pass was picked off by CB Logan Drummond. Another early mistake by WJ after Ternosky took a sack the play prior.
It was back-and-forth action by each team’s talented defenses, where the next few drives both ended in sacks. One of those sacks came from DL/TE Caleb Buckner, who forced the first allowed sack from Saint Ignatius all season.
The momentum seemed to be fading away from the home squad, and another play by Saint Ignatius did just that when Billy Cole returned a punt 46 yards to the house, providing SI a14-0 lead—where everything seemed to be going their way approaching the half.
Walsh refused to give up in front of their packed house and got some help from the dual-threat Ternosky, who ran for nearly 25 yards and passed for 47, ensuing an 11 play, 6-minute drive that helped propel Dominick Courtad for a 9-yard rushing touchdown.
Near three points were possible for Walsh late in the second, but kicker Oliver Nonno missed left to keep the Warriors behind a touchdown when the half hit zero.
A mere two plays into the third quarter; Walsh proved why they were 3-0 up to this point in front of their crowd. QB Jacob Mikin passed to TE Charlie Blasko, who fumbled, leading to another three points from WJ.
A few drives later, a battle would continue between two historic high school football teams that showed some real grit heading to the fourth quarter. A sack by LB Davion Hereford would set SI back, and Courtad would rush for his second 7-yard touchdown of the day, creating 17 unanswered points from the Warriors.
The Wildcats tacked on a field goal followed by a 3-yard touchdown from the Warriors, where Ternosky would throw his second to Cameron Brunson.
The crowd chanted, roaring for more, but it all went away when Ternosky threw his second pick of the game within the 25-yard line, a brutal mistake from the QB. Ternosky went 18/31 for 280 yards and two interceptions despite the touchdown passes.
When the tension arose and the stands were bumping, Walsh proceeded to use their bolstered offensive line and ran out the clock in after a fourth down pass fell incomplete from the Wildcats. A phenomenal way to finish a game to improve to 4-0 for the Warriors.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
Walsh will be on their bye week next Friday the 18th. After the deserved break, they will take on Hoban High School home. Hoban is fresh off a brutal loss to Saint Ignatius and will look to bounce back against the number three ranked team in the Cleveland.com NEO Top 25
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
The Wildcats and Head Coach Tom Kaufman will be back at home to welcome John Marshall in for a 7PM kickoff. Sitting now at 2-2, this is a huge win to secure if you’re the Wildcats. QB Jacob Mikin was a bit shaken tonight, but he must bounce back and lead his team over a weaker John Marshall team.
PLAYER OF THE GAME – WALSH JESUIT
My player of the game is none other than the workhorse, the leader, and the leading rusher for the Warriors, Dominick Courtad. Others call him “Big Dom” because of his big presence on the turf—including a hat trick. Courtad recorded 21 carries for 84 rushing yards and three touchdowns and won the game for his team on a crucial 4th and 1 direct snap to ice it with 1:07 left on the game clock.
PLAYER OF THE GAME – SAINT IGNATIUS
Despite the loss, the ball was well spread from the offense in 44 plays, as Mikin hit six different receivers, who all made an impact in the game. My player of the game was JT Hummer, who provided supplemental help to the Wildcats. Hummer rushed for 10 carries and 42 yards and provided a difference late in the game despite the turnover on SI’s last drive.
