By Adam Rutz
The Newman Catholic football team has had two very close match-ups with Thorp in the past couple of years, but unfortunately lost the last two meetings. However, last Friday night they were determined to change this year's outcome in a tough road game at Thorp. Newman Catholic kept things close all game, and after trailing 12-10 with less than three minutes left, finally got the win, in a 16-12 victory.
Newman Catholic had the top offense in the conference coming into the game, but was facing a very physical, tough Thorp defense who only allowed 520 rushing yards all season coming into the game. Newman Catholic knew if they wanted to make the playoffs, a win was crucial and they had to execute Friday night.
The offense started their first drive with a half-back pass from Luke Prososki to Ryan Strasser, giving the Newman Catholic squad some momentum. The offense then got the ball into field goal range where Paul Messerly kicked a 33 yard field goal, giving Newman Catholic a 3-0 lead mid-way through the first. Newman Catholic's defense, who had one of their best performances of the year, didn't let Thorp score in the first quarter, giving them a three point lead at the end of the first.
However, Thorp's offense did get on the scoreboard 55 seconds into the second quarter, putting Thorp up 6-3. when the defense later kept Thorp inside the Newman 5 yard line, senior Patrick Hanley recovered a fumble at the 2, which led to a Brad Knoblock touchdown run. Thorp responded by scoring once more, giving them a 12-10 lead at the end of the first half.
The score remained the same at the end of the third quarter, and all the way into the final two minutes of the fourth. However, it was Knoblock again who punched in the final Newman touchdown, putting Newman up 16-12. When Thorp tried to answer one final time, Josh Pagel ended Thorp's hope for a victory with an interception down field. "The defense did outstanding tonight," said Coach Paul Michlig. "To hold a team like Thorp to 12 points is a great job by the kids. They earned this one."
Newman Catholic took on Athens
