Knights Hold Off Irish 28-14 in “Holy War”

Photo by Kory Callihan

It was a defensive battle throughout, but Archbishop Hoban did enough to take down St. Vincent St. Mary Friday night at John Cistone Field. The Irish kept star RB Lamar Sperling in check during the first half, but the senior exploded for three touchdowns in the second half. With the news that the rivalry may not continue beyond this season, fans packed the stands and braved the showers to watch this year’s edition of the Holy War.

First Half

STVM took the opening kickoff and put together a drive that saw them reach the Hoban 2-yard line. On 3rd and goal, the Knights brought the pressure and forced an interception, Tylan Boykin snagging the errant pass and setting Hoban up on their own 9-yard line.

The Knights would march down the field methodically on their first possession, putting together a 13-play drive, driving deep into Irish territory. On 4th and 11 from the STVM 24, QB Jacqai Long scrambled trying to pick up the first down, falling three yards short and giving the ball back to the Irish.

The story of the first half was the impressive performances put forth by both defenses. All three Irish possessions ended in Hoban territory, the Knights coming away with an interception, fumble, and forced punt. For STVM, their defense held Mr. Football candidate Lamar Sperling to just 54 yards rushing. At the half, the score was still knotted at 0-0.

Second Half

Few teams have been able to limit Sperling at all, let alone for a full 48 minutes. On their first possession of the second half, Hoban was forced to punt. The Irish returner put the ball on the turf and the Knights recovered, setting them up at the Irish 15-yard line. Three plays later, Sperling plowed through the right side and into the endzone, making it 7-0 Hoban.

Set up by a long return from D’Anthony Keller, STVM took over at the Knights 22-yard line. The Irish would get it down inside the 10, but QB Markell Carter fumbled the ball and Drew Holt came up with it, STVM’s fourth turnover of the game.

The Irish defense was able to force a three and out, but fumbled the return yet again, setting up the Knights at the STVM 49. After a steady dose of Sperling, Xavier Williams took the sweep around the right end for a 29-yard score, making it 14-0 Hoban early in the 4th.

The Irish took over and put the ball on the turf again, their sixth turnover of the contest, setting the Knights up at the STVM 42. The next play, Lamar Sperling went beast mode, juking and spinning his way to a 42-yard touchdown, extending the Hoban lead to 21-0. After a three-touchdown barrage, most teams would go away quietly. But STVM wasn’t most teams.

Aided by three defensive penalties, the Irish were set up 1st and 10 on the Hoban 13. QB Markell Carter dropped back, then decided to keep himself around the left side for a touchdown, making it 21-7 Knights. Needing the ball back, Nick Bertolini laid down a perfect onside kick and the Irish recovered at the Hoban 49.

After forcing an incompletion and a sack on the first two plays, the Knights appeared to force an incompletion on third down but were called for roughing the passer. On the very next play, Markell Carter hooked up with Torrell Hudson for a 43-yard score, narrowing the gap to 21-14.

The Irish offense would get another shot with the ball after forcing a punt, but it was not to be as three incompletions and a short run forced the turnover on downs. As they were trying to run down the clock, Sperling exploded through the line for a 35-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 28-14 with 45 seconds left. The Irish were unable to do anything with their possession on the clock struck zero, ending the STVM upset bid.

Keys to the Game

Heading into the game, the Knights were considered heavy favorites and the Irish hung with them all night. They executed their game plan of managing the clock and selling out on defense to stop Sperling. The thing that killed STVM were turnovers, finishing with six in the game. Multiple drives stalled in Knights territory, and this could have been a totally different outcome without the turnovers.

While it may not have been the score they were expecting, Hoban battled adversity and found a way to come out on top. The top ranked team in Division II, each week they will face a team gunning for an upset. Their ability to roll with the punches and stick to their strengths will go a long way in their championship run.

Next Week

The loss breaks the Irish five game winning streak and drops them to 5-2 on the season. Things won’t get much easier next week as STVM plays host to Cleveland Heights (8-0).

The Knights continue their undefeated campaign and improve to 8-0. Hoban will hit the road next Friday to take on Benedictine (0-8).

Top Performers

St. Vincent St. Mary

Markell Carter: 4-9 79 yards 1 touchdown 4 carries 6 yards 1 touchdown

Santonio Harper: 16 carries 51 yards

Torrell Hudson: 4 catches 104 yards 1 touchdown

Archbishop Hoban

Jacqai Long: 8-14 66 yards   2 carries 4 yards

Lamar Sperling: 31 carries 219 yards 3 touchdowns

Xavier Williams: 3 carries 36 yards 1 touchdown

Scoring Summary

3rd Quarter

Hoban 7:27- Lamar Sperling, 7-yard run (Ryan Burns kick good)

4th Quarter

Hoban 11:49- Xavier Williams, 29-yard run (Burns kick good)

Hoban 9:09- Lamar Sperling, 42-yard run (Burns kick good)

STVM 5:40- Markell Carter, 13-yard run (Nick Bertolini kick good)

STVM 4:19- Markell Carter to Torrell Hudson, 43 yards (Bertolini kick good)

Hoban 0:45- Lamar Sperling, 35-yard run (Burns kick good)

 

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	FINAL
Hoban	0	0	7	21	28
STVM	0	0	0	14	14

 

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