Shamrocks lose another nail biter to Battle Creek St. Philip

On Saturday, September 29th the Shamrocks traveled to Battle Creek to visit the St. Philip Tigers. St. Patrick’s came to play, and was ahead the entire game, but in the end could not bring home a victory, with St. Philip winning by a score of 42-36.

In the 1st quarter, the Shamrocks jumped out to an early lead, with Ned Smith breaking loose for a 66-yard touchdown run, after missing the extra point kick, the score was 6-0 Shamrocks. St. Philip wasted no time and marched down the field scoring on an 18-yard pass and failing on the 2-point attempt. The Shamrocks closed out the quarter on a beautiful 70 yard catch and run from Connor Cross to John Schneider, with Cross running in the 2-point conversion making the score 14-6 Shamrocks.

The 2nd quarter saw the Tigers make a deep march, culminating with a 4-yard run and failed extra point, leaving the score 14-12. A long drive from the Shamrocks, ending in a 19-yard touchdown reception by Zach Spitzley, and the extra point ran in by John Schneider left the Shamrocks ahead 22-12 at halftime.

On the opening drive of the second half, the Tigers marched down the field and completed the two-point conversion making the score 22-20, with the Shamrocks still ahead. Again, the Shamrocks answered with a 45-yard touchdown reception from Cross to Tanner Lawson and another two-point conversion run from John Schneider, made the score 30-20 Shamrocks. The Tigers busted lose next, with a 72-yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversion making the score 30-28 after 3 quarters of football.

The Shamrocks still had another score left in the 4th quarter, with a long drive finishing with a 4-yard run by Ned Smith, and a failed 2-point conversion, leaving the score 36-28. The Tigers returned the favor and scored again, leaving the score 36-34. The Tigers stopped the Shamrocks at midfield, and after receiving the punt, Battle Creek busted free on a 79-yard touchdown pass to go up for the first time, 42-36 with 1:51 left to play. The Shamrocks gained a first down but they were unable to put up a score as the clock ended.

Offensive leaders for the game were Ned Smith who rushed 19 times for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns, and John Schneider who had 4 receptions for 125 yards and 1 touchdown. Connor Cross went 7 for 16 for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns and ran for 23 yards.

Defensive leaders were Riley Kissane 17 tackles and 1 tackle for loss (TFL), Ned Smith 13 tackles 1 sack and 1 TFL, Alex Kissane 15 tackles, and Bret Weller 12 tackles.

The Shamrocks host undefeated Colon this Friday, October 5th at 7 pm.