by Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio – For the second consecutive season, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors defeated visiting St. Vincent-St. Mary, 41-14.
The Fighting Irish took the lead, 7-0, with 4:17 left in the first quarter, thanks to a one-yard touchdown run from Markell Carter.
Walsh Jesuit responded later in the second quarter when senior quarterback Ryan Kerscher found fellow classmate Quintin Walton for a 40-yard touchdown toss.
John Keough came up with a huge punt block that set the Warriors up with outstanding field position. He also had a pass breakup on the previous play. It took one play for Walsh Jesuit to take the lead, and they did so, thank to a 12 yard touchdown run from Ryan Kerscher.
Senior tailback Justin Bremner had a one-yard touchdown run to increase the Warrior lead to 21-7. They looked to add more thanks to a fumble recovery from Quintin Walton. However, they came up empty due to a missed field goal.
The Fighting Irish marched down the field, looking to capitalize and cut into their deficit before the half.
That was until Warrior sophomore defensive back Aiden Henry picked off a pass and took it 97 yards to the house, putting the Warriors up 27-7 at the break. It was not his first interception of the game, as he picked off a pass earlier in the quarter.
In the third quarter, St. Vincent St. Mary thwarted another scoring drive, thanks to a blocked field goal from Nathan Lenz. One play later, D’Anthony Kelker took a handoff 80 yards to the house. This cut the deficit to 27-14 with 5:39 left in the third.
The Warriors recovered a fumble, thanks to defensive lineman David Hawersaat. Ryan Kerscher found Eric Poulousky for a 14-yard touchdown reception less than two minutes later, pushing their lead to 34-14.
Kerscher would later connect with Quintin Walton for the second time on the evening, with 8:05 to play.
And just for good measure, the Warriors captured their fifth turnover of the game, coming on an interception from senior linebacker Brock Sherman. From there, Walsh Jesuit ran the clock out.
With Friday’s victory, the Crown Conference champions kept the Victory Bell for another year.
Walsh Jesuit finishes 8-2. The Warriors will either finish at #6 or #7 and have locked up a home game according to JoeEitel.com. They will await their opponent for next Friday evening when the playoff field is set.
Ryan Kerscher went 14 of 24 passing for 154 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 11 rushes for 38 yards and another score. Justin Bremner had 24 carries for 110 yards and a score. Quintin Walton had four catches for 84 yards and two scores.
St. Vincent St. Mary finishes 6-3, clinching the #5 seed in Division II, Region 5, according to JoeEitel.com. They will open the playoffs at home will an opponent that will be determined once the playoff field is set.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
The Walsh Jesuit defense. The Warriors forced five (yes, FIVE) turnovers Friday evening. Aiden Henry had two picks, Brock Sherman had a pick, and Quintin Walton and David Hawersaat each recovered a fumble.
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Thanks for a solid write-up! These young men do their best when they all come together. Our coaching staff live it. Resurgence of #selfless,