Golden Eagles come out swinging, with Linden racking up 325 yards

Guerin Catholic’s Jack Linden scored three touchdowns and rushed for 325 yards during the Golden Eagles’ 53-34 win over Heritage Christian Friday at the Eagles Nest. (Margaret Fallin)

The REPORTER

Guerin Catholic put on a show when it came to offense during its game with Heritage Christian Friday at the Eagles Nest.

The Golden Eagles took care of Heritage 53-34. Guerin Catholic scored just 67 seconds into the game, as Jack Linden finished a 66-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Linden then ran in a two-point conversion.

Late in the first quarter, Malcolm Houze connected with Aiden Horn for two short touchdown passes, and that gave GC a 22-6 lead going into the second quarter. Houze kept the momentum going in the new period, hitting Hayden Cler for a 31-yard TD throw just seconds into the period.

Nick Wilson kicked a field goal with less than a minute left in the second quarter. Heritage scored a last-second touchdown to end the half, then scored on a 20-yard pass with 7:25 left in the third period to get within 32-27.

The Golden Eagles answered that score quickly, with Linden punching the ball in from the one. Heritage Christian scored again late in the third on a 17-yard run, keeping the HC Eagles within 40-34 going into the fourth quarter.

But Guerin Catholic took control in the final period, with two touchdowns. Linden blasted off for a 40-yard run just 23 seconds into the quarter, then Houze made a short pass to Adam McNeany midway through the fourth. Wilson kicked four extra points.

Linden had a monster game, racking up 325 yards on 44 carries. Houze was 9-of-12 through the air for 150 yards, with Cler catching five of those throws.

The Golden Eagles are 3-0 and host Brebeuf Jesuit next Friday to begin Circle City Conference play.