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Eagles Capture District Grid Title
The Sullivan Eagles football team came into final game of the regular season determined. Focused on winning the district and forcing Owensville into six turnovers, the game was almost over before it ever got started. Although the final score of 41-21 doesn’t appear that overwhelming, the Eagles controlled the game from start to finish.
Sullivan High School had a festive atmosphere last Thursday when the Owensville Dutchmen came to town. Sullivan fans were looking for the Eagles (8-1) to bring home their first district title since 1999 while the people from O-town were looking for the big time upset.
The Eagles offensive started fast and furious when three minutes into the game quarterback Daniel Schatz hit tight end Cody Davis with a 44-yard completion. Shortly thereafter, he hit Zach Mesey with a 16- yard pass for a touchdown. The Mason Johanning extra point was good, giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead.
One minute later, the Eagles recovered a fumble that would be the first of six Owensville turnovers on the night. A seven-yard touchdown pass from Schatz to James Phillips and another Mason Johanning kick made the score 14-0.
With only seconds remaining in the first quarter, junior running back Chris Frye broke loose for a 44-yard run, taking the Eagles down to the Dutchman three-yard line. One play later, he took the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Mason Johanning added to the total with another extra point.
The second quarter wouldn’t get much better for Owensville. Just over one minute into the period, the Dutchmen would fumble again; this time the ball popping into the hands of Sullivan defensive lineman, Bradley Henson. Henson, playing with an injured ankle, showed no evidence of the injury as he scampered 22 yards for a touchdown. Johanning made it four straight extra points and the Eagles were in control, 28-0.
On the next Owensville possession, Frye picked off a Ryan Cooper pass and the Eagles were driving again. Two minutes later, Schatz decided to get in on the scoring action when he scored on a three-yard quarterback keeper. Sullivan had visions of starting the second half with a running clock, but the extra point attempt by Mason Johanning was missed, leaving the score at 34-0.
At times, the Dutchmen were able to move the ball. Just before halftime, quarterback Ryan Cooper ran a draw play up the middle and scored from eight yards out. Owensville kicker, Brooke Adkison, nailed the extra point, making the score 34-7.
Third quarter action was highlighted when the Eagles forced Owensville into their fourth turnover on a Carl Lawrence fumble recovery. Schatz then picked up his third touchdown pass on a 22-yard completion to Ryan Restemayer. Ryan Johanning came in, kicking the extra point and giving Sullivan their final points of the contest.
The Eagles defense did pick up two more turnovers in the third quarter; the first a James Phillips interception. It would be followed by a Ryan Restemayer fumble recovery.
Sullivan coach, Pat Burke, pulled his starting unit late in the third quarter, allowing many other deserving players the opportunity to see some district championship field time. Owensville tacked on two fourth quarter scores, a 40-yard touchdown pass from Cooper to Gabe Hollander and a three-yard run by Shane McKinney. Both were followed by extra point kicks from Adkison, making the final score 41-21.
Talking to head coach Pat Burke about the game and the Eagles district championship, he said, “This is a great group of kids and winning districts was one of their goals. We came out strong tonight and we were able to take advantage of the Owensville turnovers. Our offensive line played well and Chris Frye did a great job running. Daniel threw the ball very well tonight. He stayed in the pocket and had a better touch on the ball. Our defense had another outstanding game.”
Schatz was 8-10 passing for 116 yards while Frye gained 161 yards on 25 carries.
Sullivan had 293 yards in total offense. The Eagles defense held Owensville to 260 yards in total offense.
Sullivan’s state regional contest will be played tonight at Sullivan High School against the Mexico Bulldogs. Mexico finished second in their district behind the Fulton Hornets. Fulton will be hosting the Salem Tiger, the second place team in Sullivan’s district.
The winners will face off next Monday evening, Nov. 10. A Sullivan victory teamed with a Salem victory would give the Eagles a second round home game while a Sullivan victory coupled with a Fulton victory would send the Eagles to Fulton. All of the regional and sectional contest will start at 7 p.m.
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