Notre Dame opens SOC play with explosive statement
By: Andrew Woods
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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WOUB)— The Notre Dame Titans (6-0, 1-0 SOC-I) and the South Gallia Rebels (4-2, 0-1 SOC-I) came into Week 6 with the chance to grab a crucial early conference win. With the pressure on, both teams brought the fireworks, scoring 102 combined points and making big plays throughout the game. In the end, Notre Dame’s early momentum proved too much for South Gallia to overcome, as the Titans eventually came out on top 56-46.
Notre Dame got the ball first and cashed in immediately, as quarterback Luke Cassidy showed off his speed and took the opening kickoff to the house. Then, after forcing South Gallia to punt, the Titans drove down the field and capped it off with an exciting play, as Bryce McGraw made a one-handed grab to put the Titans up 14-0.
South Gallia responded with a chunk run by Layne Wright, but the PAT was no good after a pair of false starts. After this touchdown, both offenses kicked into overdrive. Notre Dame responded first with a 48-yard Cassidy keeper, then South Gallia responded with their own big play when brothers Hunter Wright and Layne Wright linked up for a 68-yard touchdown. Not to be outdone, Cassidy scored his second kickoff return touchdown of the night to put Notre Dame up 28-14.
Although South Gallia’s next drive was not as explosive as their previous drive, the Rebels still scored thanks to Hunter Wright, who punched in a short score to close the gap to 28-22 at the end of the first quarter.
On the next few drives, the quarterbacks used their legs to find the end zone and keep the fight going. First, Cassidy came in clutch on a fourth-and-goal, as despite being pressured by the South Gallia defense, he found the end zone again. Then, Hunter Wright scored his third touchdown of the night, punching in a 14-yard rushing touchdown to close the gap. However, Cassidy still had another touchdown up his sleeve before halftime, as he plowed his way into the end zone on a quarterback sneak.
South Gallia had a final chance to narrow the gap before halftime. Although the Rebels made it all the way to the Notre Dame red zone, the Titans made a stand and forced South Gallia to go into the halftime break down 42-30.
Throughout the second half, South Gallia closed the gap, even coming within three points during the fourth quarter. However, Notre Dame’s offense kept pace with South Gallia’s, allowing the Titans to take a 56-46 win.
Throughout the first half, both quarterbacks were the stars of their offenses. Notre Dame’s Luke Cassidy was responsible for all of the Titans’ first half touchdowns. Cassidy scored three rushing touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns, and one passing touchdown. Meanwhile, South Gallia’s Hunter Wright accumulated two rushing touchdowns and one rushing touchdowns.
Next week, both Notre Dame and South Gallia will play winless teams. Notre Dame will visit Green (0-5, 0-1 SOC-I), while South Gallia will host Sciotoville East (0-5, 0-1 SOC-I).