Ohio City - As Saint Ignatius' outstanding Junior Varsity Football Coach Paul Yappel has stressed throughout the summer through late October, it is all about progression on the Junior Varsity level.
As they prepare for their final and most anticipated game of the season, the 2017 JV 'Cats have progressed to a point where Coach Yappel and his staff are pleased. Not totally satisfied mind you, but pleased with the steps their sophomore Wildcats have taken.
Led by the field generalship of oh so promising quarterback Griffin Hanna, the running of easy to smile, but tough and determined tailback James Crosby, a sure-handed and athletic receiving corps, and a strong and savvy beyond their years defensive unit, the JV 'Cats took another major step on that road to progression by defeating the Junior Varsity Bombers of St. Xavier, 27-17, under the blue skies and sunshine that hovered over Wasmer Field Saturday.
Now 7-1 and riding a six-game winning streak, the sophomore Wildcats will turn their full attention to Friday night's season finale versus rival St. Edward at the Eagles' Brother James Everett Stadium. The kickoff in Lakewood, the city of the "Solstice Steps," is scheduled for 6 pm.
As for Saturday's annual encounter with their Jesuit sophomore brothers from Cincinnati St. Xavier, the JV 'Cats were in business after talented Tyler Hampu, a 6-foot-1 defensive back, intercepted a pass deep in Bombers territory.
After a couple of authoritative runs by linebacker/running back Michael McNamara, Hanna clicked with wide out/defensive back Domenic Fabe on an 8-yard touchdown pass off a nice slant route. Rory McConville's extra-point kick made it a 7-0 game with 2 minutes and 16 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Saint Ignatius pushed its advantage to 14-0 on an 8-yard touchdown run by Crosby and another McConville PAT with just under 10 minutes to go in the first half.
With Jake Lang, Merick Hartley and Anthony Gerace among those leading the 'Cats' defensive charge, Crosby brought a roar from the Blue and Gold faithful by racing 65 yards for his second TD on the day. After the PAT didn't go as planned, Saint Ignatius ended up taking a 20-0 lead into the halftime break.
On the strength of a first down off a faked punt and a penalty on Saint Ignatius, St. Xavier got on the scoreboard courtesy of a 29-yard field goal by Joe Sullivan with 6:48 left in the third quarter.
Sparked by an interception from linebacker Logan Van De Hatert, the Bombers closed to 20-10 off a 30-yard touchdown reception that was hauled in via the sure hands of tight end Marshall Lang and the ensuing extra-point from Sullivan.
Holding that 20-10 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Wildcats rode strong throws from Hanna and athletic receptions by Fabe and multi-skilled receiver/kick returner Henry Cook to a first-and-goal at the Bombers' 1-yard line.
Hanna, off a nice ball fake, scored on a keeper into the right corner of the Lorain Avenue end zone and McConville was money on his extra point, extending Saint Ignatius' lead to 27-10 with 7:49 remaining.
St. Xavier closed out the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown reception by 6-3 wide receiver Wiles Dolle and another extra point from Sullivan with 1:28 left to play.
The Bombers were trying to makes things even more interesting down the stretch, but Wildcats defensive backs Giandre Avery and Michael Corte would have none of that.
We will see you at the Wildcats' Freshmen Game at St. Edward on Thursday night at 6, at the Junior Varsity Game at St. Edward on Fridaynight at 6, and in atmosphere-rich Lakewood Stadium on Saturday night for the 7 PM Varsity encounter with the Eagles.
Have a wonderful Sunday.