Eagles emerge with conference crown
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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LANCASTER, Ohio (WOUB) – On senior night, the Fisher Catholic Fighting Irish hosted the Grove City Christian Eagles. The Eagles were a win away from their first conference title during their time in the MSL-Cardinal. While the Fighting Irish put them on the ropes, Grove City Christian survived due to a 14-point second half paired with a defensive shutout. The Eagles took the conference with a 20-14 victory. Grove City Christian finished conference play undefeated, and they are projected to host a home game in round one of the playoffs according to Drew Pasteur.
After forcing a Grove City Christian turnover on downs, the Fighting Irish struck first. Grant Keefer located All-Ohio receiver and running back Hyde O’Rielley for a short, 7-yard touchdown pass. Their first score came on the back of a lengthy drive, something Fisher Catholic would replicate throughout the night. On their second drive, the Eagles found some momentum. Despite driving deep into their opponent’s territory, the Fighting Irish forced another turnover on downs.
Fisher Catholic started with a methodical drive that ate up most of the second quarter. Hyde O’Rielley, Gage Armstrong and Jayden Morales wore down the Eagles defense. At last, in the red zone, Grant Keefer threw a dart to Hyde O’Rielley from 19 yards out. The Fighting Irish were ahead 14-0. Despite their early adversity, the Eagles stormed down the field on their two-minute drill. Doug Housley found Josiah Harmeyer in the endzone, and with the extra point, it was 14-7 Fisher Catholic at the half.
After both squads exchanged punts, it was Grove City Christian on the attack. After Housley completed a lengthy pass, Cayden Carroll raced past the second level into the endzone. His 26-yard touchdown run evened the score at 14 apiece. The Eagles had momentum in their favor, but the Fighting Irish were not done fighting.
After forcing a Fisher Catholic punt, the Eagles found themselves deep in Fighting Irish territory. Hyde O’Rielley made another outstanding play by intercepting a Housley pass inside the 20. Despite the turnover, the Fighting Irish were unable to capitalize. A short punt gave Grove City Christian prime field position, and they pounced. With 14 seconds left on the clock, Housley found William Dahmer. It was the Eagles’ first lead of the night. With little time left on the clock, the Fighting Irish managed to get the ball to the Eagles’ 35-yard line, but their final pass fell incomplete.
Grove City Christian wraps up conference play undefeated, improving to 8-2. They will be heading to the Division Six, Region 23 playoffs. Their opponent will be determined this weekend.
Fisher Catholic falls to 4-6, but they are not done. The Fighting Irish will be playing in the Division Seven, Region 27 playoffs next week. According to Drew Pastuer, they will be on the road.