Last minute pick-6 secures the win for Fisher Catholic
By: Eva Greene
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FAIRFIELD, Ohio (WOUB) – An intense battle that came down to the last 30 seconds saw the Fisher Catholic Irish come out on top over the Fairfield Christian Knights, 20-13. The stadium was packed for this matchup as both teams were 2-1.
Although the first quarter was scoreless, big plays were made by both sides of the ball. The Irish’s first drive was successful as they marched down the field, thanks to a big catch by WR Luke Carins that placed them in the red zone. The Knights’ defense came up huge as they made a goal-line stand against the Irish’s running game. Both teams made good headway towards the end zone, but ultimately fell short as their defenses stepped up.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the score drought ended with the Irish RB Sam Tencza, as he took it 45 yards to the house. That touchdown didn’t deter the Knights at all, as QB Brayden Stem threw an absolute dime to WR Zach Price for a 45-yard over-the-shoulder catch. The Knights’ offense tied the game 7-7, and their defense came up big, forcing a fumble on the Irish’s 36-yard line.
With great field position, the Knights’ offense got it done as Stem made another great throw, this time to WR TJ Blair. With a missed PAT, the Knights put the score at 13-7 in just two drives. The Irish, however, took back control. Thanks to a big-yard gain by Tencza, RB Etan O’Reilley ran it in for a touchdown. A missed PAT leads the Irish to tie it up 13-13. An interception by DB Leo Hampshire towards the end of the half, the Irish felt good going into the final half.
During the second half, both defenses came up big as forced fumbles plagued both teams. It was looking like the game would go into overtime, but a game-changing pick-6 by Tencza gave the Irish the lead with only 28 seconds left in the game. The second the clock hit zero the Irish side erupted in cheers.
Next week the Irish take on Rosecrans Bishops at home in a tough battle. Meanwhile the Knights take on Symms Valley, hoping to come back from this loss.