Shamrocks Defeat MSD 51-14

On a rare Thursday night varsity football game, the Shamrocks of Portland St. Patrick’s hosted the Tartars of the Michigan School for the Deaf.

The Shamrocks got on the scoreboard first early in the first quarter when junior QB Tanner Lawson connected with senior receiver Will Simon on a 40-yard TD pass. The PAT by sophomore Jeff Davlin was good, putting the Shamrocks up 7-0.

The Shamrocks struck again just a few minutes later when sophomore Ned Smith broke free for a 27-yard TD run. The PAT was no good, and the score was SPS 13, MSD 0.

MSD was able to get on the scoreboard with about seven minutes left in the first quarter when #20 scored on a 26-yard TD run. The PAT was no good.

On the very next possession for the Shamrocks, Lawson connected with senior receiver Colin Cook 43-yard TD pass. The PAT was no good, putting the score to 19-6.

The Shamrocks would score again early in the second quarter when Ned Smith reached the end zone on a 21-yard TD run. The PAT by Davlin was good and the Shamrocks led 26-6.

MSD would cut into the Shamrock lead with five minutes remaining in the half when #5 scored on a two-yard run. #5 was successful on the two-point conversion, putting the score at 26-14. The score would remain there for the rest of the first half.

Early in the second half Shamrock # 35 scampered for a 14-yard TD run. The PAT was no good, and the Shamrocks led 32-14.

With just over three minutes remaining in the third, St. Patrick’s senior RB Isaiah Smith scored on a 12-yard TD run. The conversion failed and the Shamrocks expanded their lead to 38-14.

Early in the fourth quarter, Shamrock sophomore John Schneider broke free for a 25-yard TD of his own. The conversion was no god, and the score moved to 44-14

The Shamrocks scored their final touchdown with just over six minutes left in the game. Freshman QB Connor Cross connected with junior Paul Cook for a three-yard TD pass. The PAT by Davlin was good, and the final score was 51-14.

The Tartars played this game with only eight players dressed, and had no back-ups on their sideline. At any level of football, completing a full game with no subs is an incredible feat, and I personally think that is quite an accomplishment.

The Shamrocks finished their regular season with an eight win and one loss record, and made the MHSAA 8-man Division Two playoffs with 51.444 playoff points. They will host North Adams-Jerome (5-4) who finished with 31.889 playoff points. Date and time is to be announced.

This game summary was written with the assistance of information provided by Shamrock Assistant Coach Ross Schneider.