Shamrocks Turn Luck Around Against Division Rival
Andrew Hanania | Saturday | October 8, 2022 | 12:34 pm
On Friday, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2-5, CHSL-C) and Detroit Catholic Central (5-2, CHSL-C) faced off in an electric rivalry matchup. The Shamrocks were able to pull off the 31-17 victory, thanks to a 21-point fourth quarter.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s got on the board first, thanks to a two-yard touchdown run by Cole Olsztyn.
The Shamrocks quickly answered. Evan Haeger ran four yards and found the endzone, tying the game at 7.
The score would remain 7-7 until halfway through the second quarter. On a remarkable trick play, Antwon Thomas found Chris Coates for an 85-yard touchdown pass, giving St. Mary’s a 14-7 lead going into halftime.
Catholic Central would get the scoring started in the second half. Late in the third quarter, Jake Matigan would kick 1 33-yard field goal. Cutting the Eaglets lead to 14-10.
The Shamrocks would take the lead early in the fourth quarter. Beau Jackson would find Brady Blakita for a 4-yard reception, giving Catholic Central a 17-14 lead, their first of the game. The Eaglets would tie the game about three minutes later. Jenner Leib would kick a 31-yard field goal, evening the score at 17 apiece. Catholic Central would take the lead minutes later after a 22-yard reception from Andrew Kitchen. The score was 24-17 with three minutes left. On the following kickoff, St. Mary’s would fumble the ball. The Shamrocks would recover deep in Orchard Lake territory. With less than a minute left in the game, Evan Haeger would run 11 yards for a Shamrock touchdown, extending Catholic Central’s lead to 31-17.
The G’s of the Game, presented by GBrand USA, were awarded to Evan Haeger and Brady Blakita. Haeger had 28 carries for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns. Blakita had 9 receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, a punt return for 13 yards, and two kickoff returns for 88 yards. Blakita also had 7 tackles on defense.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will take on Oak Park (0-7, OAA-White) next Friday at home. Catholic Central will play Cincinnati La Salle (2-6) on the road.
