Shamrock Football Overpowers Onekama

In a battle that had been about 11 months in the making, on Saturday, October 12th the Portagers from Onekama visited Portland for a grudge match against the Shamrocks. The Portagers knocked out the Shamrocks last November in the Semi-finals and St. Patrick's was hungry for vengeance, beating Onekama 42-24. In the first quarter that Shamrocks were better than the Portagers, but failed to capitalize on a few plays. The Shamrocks marched down field, and scored on a 5 yard touchdown pass to Zach Spitzley. The Portagers also scored, leaving the score 8-7 Onekama after one quarter. The Shamrocks powered ahead in the second quarter, with a pair of touchdowns for Ned Smith of 2 and 35 yards respectively. The Shamrock defense was excellent in this quarter, capped by a goal line stand to end the quarter, leaving the score 23-8 at halftime. St. Patrick's did not slow down in the 3rd quarter, with a pair of touchdown receptions for Zach Spitzley from Connor Cross of 55 and 34 yards. The Portagers were able to score once, leaving the score 35-16 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, the Shamrocks were plagued with cramps and unable to stop the Portagers from marching down the field and making the score 35-24. On the ensuing on-side kick, destiny struck when the kicker missed the kick, leaving the ball at about half field. Shamrock Brian Kwiecinski, not knowing how to react in that instant, attempted to jump on the ball- when it squirted out, Zach Spitzley scooped and took it to the house, making the final score 42-24. Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Connor Cross who went 6-10 for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns, Ned Smith who rushed 15 times for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Zach Spitzley had 4 receptions for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns. Derec Fedewa also had 14 carries for 50 yards and 2 receptions for 67 yards. Jeff Davlin went 2 for 3 on extra point attempts. Defensively, Derece Fedewa had 12 tackles, Alex Kissane had 10 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss (TFL), and Riley Kissane had 9 tackles. The Shamrocks travel to Bellaire for a game next Saturday, October 19th at 6 pm.

Photos courtesy of Anne Bennett.