By JAMES SEAY
For The Reporter
In a thrilling showdown between two of Indiana’s top Class 3A football teams, the Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles, ranked second in the class, battled fiercely against the top-ranked Bishop Chatard Trojans. The clash of Circle City Conference rivals was deadlocked 0-0 after the first half and 7-7 after regulation. After many successful stops in the Trojans red zone, luck ran out for the Golden Eagles in overtime as Bishop Chatard prevailed 13-7.
The first half of the game witnessed both teams delivering hard-hitting action with formidable defenses. Guerin’s defense was able to stand strong despite several long drives that went deep into the Golden Eagles’ territory. Senior Aaron Keller made the first of several big plays on the night when he was able to stop a fourth-and-one conversion to force a turnover on downs deep in BCHS territory.
The defense would go on to continue with stout defense in the second quarter. After forcing a field goal attempt within their own five-yard line, Guerin was able to continue to hold the high-flying Trojans off of the scoreboard. After being forced to punt, Bishop Chatard appeared to touch a punt that was ultimately called a touchback. Both teams went into the half without managing to put any points on the scoreboard.
The second half was a different affair as both offenses began to find some room. Upon receiving the second-half kickoff, the Trojans immediately turned the ball over after Keller completed an interception that was returned to the enemy 12-yard line. It was the second game changing play by Keller, but it wouldn’t be his last. Senior quarterback Ryan Zimmerman was able to open up scoring with a ‘tush push’ into the end zone to put the Golden Eagles on top 7-0.
On the ensuing possession, Bishop Chatard was once again able to put together a long drive deep into GCHS territory. The defense responded by employing stout defense to force a turnover on downs once again within their five-yard line. This was the third time the defense was able to stop the Trojans who came into the game averaging 32.2 points per contest.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Chatard offense was able to find the end zone after being aided by an untimely personal foul on Guerin’s defense. After exchanging possessions, BCHS was able to put together a drive that entered the red zone while the final seconds of the clock ticked away. After setting up for a field goal that would have broken the 7-7 stalemate, Keller completed his third game-changing play of the night by blocking what could have potentially been the game-tying field goal.
After four gut-wrenching quarters, the teams were deadlocked at seven points apiece. The Golden Eagles had the first chance during the overtime period. They quickly moved the ball to the Trojan one yard to set up the go-ahead touchdown. On fourth-and-goal from the one-yard Guerin failed to convert the touchdown. On the following possession, Chatard was able to run into the end zone for the game-ending touchdown.
Golden Eagles Coach Tom Dilley proclaimed, “We will continue to play with the same passion, enthusiasm, and team spirit moving forward. We will get back to work and execute better versus a good Northview team next week.”
After the loss, Guerin Catholic falls to 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. The Golden Eagles will travel to face the Class 4A No. 10 Northview Knights next Friday at 7 p.m.
BISHOP CHATARD 13, GUERIN CATHOLIC 7
Score by Quarters
GCHS 0 0 7 0 0 – 7
BCHS 0 0 0 7 6 – 13
Team Stats GCHS BCHS
First Downs 9 16
By Rush 5 8
By Pass 4 8
By Penalty 0 0
Rushes-Yards 37-118 41-159
Yards Passing 42 121
Comp-Att-Int-TD 8-19-0-0 15-30-1-1
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 0-0
Penalties-Yards 4-36 5-60
Punts-Average 6-41.2 2-49.5
Scoring
Third Quarter
9:26 – (GCHS) Ryan Zimmerman 1-yard run (Peyton Butts kick)
Fourth Quarter
10:16 – (BCHS) Jack Harrington to Colin Guy 6-yard pass (Jackson Schroder kick)
Overtime
0:00 – (BCHS) Daniel Shaw 1-yard run (no attempt)
Guerin individual stats
Rushing: Peter Rooney 27-103, Ryan Zimmerman 5-10, Jack Linden 3-9, team 2-4.
Passing: Ryan Zimmerman 8-19-42.
Receiving: Harrison Miller 2-9, Hayden Cler 2-7, Alex Gibbs 1-13, Malcolm Houze 1-6, Peter Rooney 1-5, Jack Cherry 1-2.