Shamrocks burst into playoffs

Benjamin Rex Cross

Oct 25, 2020

On Friday, October 23rd the Shamrocks of Portland St. Patrick traveled two hours south for a big match against the undefeated Burr Oak Bobcats. After a tough win last week, the Shamrocks came out on fire and dominated the Bobcats from start to finish, earning a 52-19 victory.

In the first quarter, the Bobcats elected to receive and the Shamrock defense went to work, shutting them down in four downs. The Shamrock offense, after getting stymied a few times by a defense that was blitzing incessantly, ended up relying on the arm of Connor Cross to make the defense pay for their risky defensive posture. A wide-open Braxton Teachworth caught a 22-yard touchdown, and Lucas Simon punched in the two-point conversion. On the next series, Derec Fedewa capped a nice drive with a 6-yard touchdown run. This left the score 14-0 Shamrocks.

In the second quarter, Connor Cross found a streaking Shane Cook for a 51-yard touchdown pass. Payton Russman added a pair of touchdowns rushes to cap good drives. This left the score 34-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Shamrocks marched right down the field and made the score 40-0 on another Payton Russman 9 yard score. Burr Oak finally got on the board, before the Shamrocks marched again and Payton Russman put it in from three yards out. This left the score 46-6 after three quarters.

The Shamrocks added one more score, this time by Jacobe Hayes-Dunning from five yards out. A few late scores by the Bobcats made the final 52-19.

Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Connor Cross who went 5-10 for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. Payton Russman had 13 carries for 64 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Derec Fedewa had 16 carries for 78 yards and 1 touchdown and 2 receptions for 73 yards. Shane Cook had 2 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive leaders for the Shamrocks were "Big Guns" Braxton Teachworth with 10 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss (TFL), Derec Fedewa had 6 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 TFL. Brian Kwiecinski had 5 tackles and 1 TFL, and Jacobe Hayes-Dunning had 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 TFL.

The Shamrocks will be the #1 seed in Division II, and this victory locks up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their first game will be next Saturday, time and opponent to be determined.