Shamrocks dominate the Hornets

In a highly vaunted playoff game, between the #1 and #2 ranked teams in Division 2, the Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks hosted the Mendon Hornets. Both teams came in with undefeated 10-0 records, and Mendon had a long history of excellence and winning state championship. Despite allowing Mendon to score on the first drive, the Shamrocks dominated at every facet of the matchup, winning handily 51-22.

In the first quarter, Mendon struck first, driving down the field and punching it in. The Shamrocks followed up on the next drive, slicing and dicing the Hornet defense on leads behind the excellent Shamrock offensive line. Brady Leonard broke loose on a 43-yard run, and the two-point conversion failed, leaving the Shamrocks down 8-6 after one quarter of play.

In the second quarter, the Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks woke up and started to play ball. Brady Leonard busted loose for another 39-yard touchdown, and also caught a 25-yard touchdown from Jerryd Scheurer. Charlie Thelen punched in the two-point conversion, and the Shamrocks took a 20-8 lead into the half.

After halftime, St. Patrick continued its dominance, marching down the field and punching it in on a FB dive from Caleb Pline. Brady Leonard put in the two-point conversion. On the next series, Brady Leonard picked off a pass from Deckerville and took it to the house, and Jerryd Scheurer took in the two-point conversion. Mendon punched back with a score, and it was Hudson Kings turn to score, breaking loose for a 19-yard run. Tyler Thelen caught the two-point conversion. Mendon kept punching back, and scored on a 58-yard touchdown pass. This left the score 44-22 after three quarters of football.

The fourth quarter saw more Shamrock excellence, as St. Patrick controlled the clock and just ran smash mouth football, eating up the minutes. Brady Leonard put in one more score, and Brody Beckhold made the extra point. The Shamrocks also took a knee with about a minute left, at about the 4-yard line.

Defensive leaders for the Rock Wall, were Brady Leonard with 16 tackles 3 interceptions and 2 tackles for loss, Mason Simon with 13 tackles, and Aiden Mosser and Augustus Teachworth both had 11 tackles.

Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Brady Leonard with 22 carries for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns and a 25-yard touchdown reception. Hudson King had 13 carries for 130 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Shamrocks will face (10-1) Deckerville in the Semi-Finals. Current location and time is Saturday, 11/15, at Mount Pleasant High School at 1 pm. (That could change)