By JAMES SEAY
For The Reporter
The Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles were able to control the entire game for a convincing 27-3 in their home opener on Friday night. GCHS overwhelmed the Knights of Lafayette Central Catholic to win the Bishop’s Cup and race to 2-0 on the season.
According to Guerin Catholic Coach Tom Dilley, the coaches were the key to the performance given the challenges they faced with the extreme heat this week.
“This was a little bit of a unique week with some of the weather concerns, but our coordinators were able to put together a good game plan and our assistant coaches were able to get their kids to execute.”
The game started off slow with both teams exchanging three and outs before the Guerin offense was able to kick into gear. Senior Ryan Zimmerman was able to connect with junior Hayden Cler for two big passes to ignite the first points of the game. “We knew going into the game they would play about eight to 10 yards off the ball, we knew the hitches would be there. I just knew when I got the ball, I had to make plays,” said Cler. After two big chunk gains, senior Peter Rooney was able to race into the end for the first of his three touchdowns on the game.
“I just put my head down and let the O-Line do the rest,” said Rooney after his big night.
Guerin Catholic quarterback Ryan Zimmerman gets ready to throw a pass. (Julie Brown)
As the game progressed, the defense became increasingly stifling with junior Dylan Vargas and the rest of the team constantly hounding the LCC offense. Multiple tackles for a loss and pass breakups led to only three points on the entire game for the visiting team. Junior Malcolm Houze was pivotal as he was able to pull down two interceptions, including one in the red zone to cap off the stifling defense. “When the ball was in the air all I knew was that I had to get it. I wanted to return it, but given I was almost out of bounds I just secured it. The second interception was thrown right to me,” proclaimed Houze.
Both teams suffered from several cramps which prolonged the game to just over three hours. Still, Coach Dilley was excited about his team’s path for the season ahead.
“Yeah, the game certainly took a while – but we are proud of our team and will work to get better. I’m really pleased to come out with a really good performance against a really good program like LCC. Bottom line is we are going to work to be better tomorrow.”
Rooney led the rushing with 194 yards in 18 carries. Fresh off the win, Rooney said that he is “looking forward to giving it 100 percent for the rest of the season” both Cler and Houze added “it would include a lot of wins.”
Guerin Catholic will host Heritage Christian at 7 p.m. next Friday for a battle between two undefeated teams prior to beginning conference play.
GUERIN CATHOLIC 27, LAF. CENTRAL CATHOLIC 3
Score by Quarters
Laf. Central Catholic 0 3 0 0 – 3
Guerin Catholic 13 0 7 7 – 27
Team Stats LCC GC
First Downs 14 12
By Rush 3 9
By Pass 11 3
By Penalty 0 0
Rushes-Yards 25-37 30-222
Yards Passing 200 92
Comp-Att-Int-TD 24-48-3-0 12-24-0-0
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 0-0
Penalties-Yards 11-95 4-37
Punts-Average 7-32.0 7-36.4
Sheridan Scoring
First Quarter
Jack Linden 17-yard run (conversion failed)
Peter Rooney 27-yard run (Peyton Butts kick)
Third Quarter
Rooney 35-yard run (Butts kick)
Fourth Quarter
Rooney 74-yard run (Butts kick)
Guerin Catholic individual stats
Rushing: Rooney 18-194, Linden 8-38, Ryan Zimmerman 1-minus 1, Jack Cherry 2-minus 3, team 1-minus 6.
Passing: Zimmerman 10-22-84, Quentin Klee 2-2-8.
Receiving: Hayden Cler 4-69, Aiden Ferry 3-13, Harrison Miller 2-4, Alex Gibbs 1-7, Trevor Macey 1-1, Rooney 1-minus 2.