Lima Central Catholic’s Isaac Leppert (left), Gianni Mckee, and EJ Jones (3) tackle Cardinal Stritch’s Kaeden Grainger during Saturday’s game at Spartan Stadium.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — A rain soaked Spartan Stadium was the setting for a Saturday afternoon affair between the Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds and the Cardinal Stritch Cardinals. The Thunderbirds were looking to punch a ticket to the playoffs with a win and possible home game in first round.
The Thunderbirds (5-3) outgained the Cardinals (2-7) 344-5 and the Cardinals never got into LCC space the entire way as the hosts pounded the Cardinals 53-0.
“I thought our kids did a great job coming out ready to play. No matter who our opponent is or what the score is they are always playing to our highest level. I give Stritch a lot of credit getting their program started again, playing hard and giving it a lot of effort.” LCC head coach Scott Palte said.
Mylon Cowans wasted no time for the Thunderbirds; taking the opening kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown to give the hosts a quick 7-0 lead.
On the next LCC possession; quarterback Carson Parker concluded a quick 4-play, 41-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge at 7:15 and Matthew Quatman made it 14-0.
The onslaught continued on an 18-yard pass from Parker to Caden Falke. Quatman extended the lead to 21-0 with 3:58 showing in the first period.
The T-Birds closed a 28-point quarter with a 41-yard connection to Quatman at 2:44 of the opener and added the point-after.
On the opening play of the second period, Quatman exploded for a 63-yard rushing touchdown and the Alex Arellano extra point was true for a 35-0 edge with 11:47 showing in the half.
“We hit the hole well, we have a lot of guys that come out there and play hard. It is always nice to do that and get a win.” Palte said
Backups scored the next two touchdowns: Brady Parker finding Carson Heffner for a 15-yard score (4 plays, 15 yards) at 8:20 (coaches had agreed to a running clock) and Lausen Flores an 18-yard run at 3:20 (2 plays, 31 yards). Both conversions were missed. The only score in the second half – two 8-minute quarters – was on a 3-yard run by Xavier Pernell with 5:27 left.
“We told our kids we want to get out their next week and we want a home playoff game; we are treating next week as a play off game, the regular season is over; we get a win and hopefully get a home game.” Palte said.
Game Summary
Score by quarters:
Oregon Cardinal Stritch 0 0 0 0 – 0
Lima Central Catholic 28 19 0 6 – 53
Scoring summary
First Quarter
L – Mylon Cowins 77 kickoff return (Matthew Quatman kick),11:48
L – Carson Parker 1 run (Quatman kick) 7:15
L – Caden Falke 15 pass from Parker (Quatman kick), 3:58
L – Quatman 41 pass from Parker (Quatman kick), 2:44
Second Quarter
L – Quatman 67 run (Alex Arellano kick), 11:47
L – Carson Heffner 15 pass from Brady Parker (kick failed),8:20
L – Lausen Flores 18 run (kick failed), 3:20
Third Quarter
No scoring
Fourth Quarter
L – Xavier Pernell 3 run (run failed), 5:27
Team Stats
OCS LCC
1 First downs 7
5 Total yards 344
8-(-)25 Rushes-yards 22-273
30 Passing yards 71
3-17 Comps.-Atts. 3-5
0 Interceptions by 1
1-1 Fumbles-lost 0-0
3-19 Penalties-yards 4-25
6-28.8 Punts-Aver. 0-0
Individual Stats
OCS
Rushing: Nate Bennett 1-(-)5, Kaeden Grainger 1-(-)8, Josiah Turner 6-(-)12.
Passing: Grainger 3-17-30-1-0.
Receiving: Nathan Frontine 1-27, Samuel Buehler 1-0.
LCC
Rushing: Matthew Quatman 4-117, Carson Parker 3-42, Michael Quatman 3-41, Lausen Flores 4-32, Xavier Pernell 4-31, Josh Young 2-7, Brady Parker 2-4.
Passing: Carson Parker 2-3-56-0-2, Brady Parker 1-2-15-0-1.
Receiving: Matthew Quatman 1-41, Caden Falke 1-15, Carson Heffner 1-15.
Dave Boninsegna wrote this story for LimaScores.com. Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
