Shamrocks lose a fierce battle with Bellevue

The St. Patrick’s Shamrocks traveled to Bellevue on Friday, September 21st for a game with the Bellevue Broncos. The fans were blessed with perfect football weather, and an exceptional football game, with the unfortunate outcome of the Shamrocks losing 48-35 to a very talented Bellevue team.

The Shamrocks struck first with quarterback Connor Cross connecting with Ned Smith for a 12-yard touchdown pass, after a failed extra point kick, the Shamrocks led 6-0. The Broncos responded with a 38-yard rushing touchdown and failed kick, leaving the score 6-6. The Shamrocks struck back in a big way, when Cross connected with receiver Zach Spitzley for an 81-yard touchdown pass. After another failed extra point, this time a 2-point conversion, the score was 12-6 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Broncos closed the gap again, with a march down the field and connected on a 7-yard passing touchdown and failed extra point, leaving the game tied at 12-12. The Shamrocks struck back when Connor Cross dropped back to pass and sprinted around right end for a 42-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, the Shamrocks continued their luck by missing out on the two-point conversion, leaving the score 18-12 St. Patrick’s. The Broncos wasted no time, and marched down the field again, capping their drive with an 8-yard touchdown run and failed extra point, leaving the score tied at 18-18. The Shamrocks again took to the air on the next series, with Cross connecting with tight end Tanner Lawson for a 29-yard touchdown pass, this time the extra point kick passed high above the uprights leaving the Shamrocks ahead 25-18. The Broncos again showed their mettle when they scored on the next two series, leaving the score 32-25 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the defenses lead the way, with the only score coming when the Shamrock defense, led by Ned Smith, tackled the Broncos in the end zone for a safety, leaving the score 32-27 at the end of the third quarter.

The Shamrocks took the lead again in the 4th quarter, when Cross again connected with Lawson for a 25-yard pass touchdown, and another pass to Riley Kissane for the 2-point conversion, leaving the score 35-32 Shamrocks. At this point, unfortunately the game came down to player numbers and injuries, with the Shamrocks being banged up by the numerically superior Broncos. Missing a few key players, the Shamrocks were unable to stop the Broncos, and Bellevue punched in two late touchdowns and 2-point conversions, leaving the final score 48-35 Broncos.

“The team made plays from start to finish. Connor Cross, Tanner Lawson and Zach Spitzley had big games on the offensive end. Ned Smith blocked very well on the offensive side, and again played a great defensive game.” Observed Head Coach Patrick Russman. “Defensively, John Schneider, Bret Weller, Jeff Davlin, and the Kissane boys all played tough defense against a bigger opponent. Sophomore Brice Cook also came in and provided solid play when we lost Zach Spitzley to an injury. John also had a fantastic coffin corner punt that led to our defense scoring a safety.”

Offensive leaders were quarterback Connor Cross who went 9 for 27 for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also added 18 yards rushing, and a 42-yard rushing touchdown. Zach Spitzley had 2 receptions for 165 yards and 1 touchdown, and Tanner Lawson had 3 receptions for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively the Shamrocks were led by Alex Kissane with 15 tackles, Riley Kissane with 11 tackles, John Schneider with 8 tackles, and Ned Smith with 6 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss.

The Shamrocks travel to Battle Creek for a match with Battle Creek St. Philip next Saturday, September 29th at 7 pm.