LCC’s Sal Guagenti blocks a pass intended for McComb’s Braxton Althauser (20) and Camden Glaser on Saturday night at Ottawa-Glandorf. Jackelyn Johnson I The Lima News
OTTAWA – Lima Central Catholic’s players knew it was going to be a physical football game Saturday night.
Throw in a little snow and a stiff-arm here and there, and the Thunderbirds found a way to pull out a 30-26 playoff victory against McComb in the Division VII regional semifinals.
“We knew it was snowing, and we knew they relied on their physicality all year,” said LCC quarterback Carson Parker, who ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 172 yards and two more scores. “We knew if we could come out early, we could prove that we were the way more physical team. I think we proved it early.”
The Thunderbirds (9-4) face Antwerp in the regional finals next week. The site will be announced Sunday.
Parker, a junior, was a one-man wrecking crew in the first half, using his 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame to bust through defenders.
He had 13 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, including a 62-yard score just three plays into the game. He also capped a 77-yard drive in the second quarter that included five-straight Parker runs before finally scoring from a yard out.
“He’s a big, strong kid, and our guys got on people,” LCC coach Scott Palte said. “He’s tough to tackle one on one, and when he gets out in the open field, he’s a big horse out there. I mean, that’s a big dude.”
The defense for McComb (11-2) finally found a way to contain him in the second half, which led to showing off his accuracy.
The Thunderbirds’ toughness was evidenced on a short hitch route for a first down from Parker to Matthew Quatman. Quatman, a 5-8, 175-pound sophomore, spun out of a tackle, delivered a stiff-arm and ran the ball 64 yards for a 30-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. Parker called it the turning point of the game.
“I had a good view,” Quatman said. “I felt (the defender) coming to the outside, and I saw the dude coming. I spun, and I guess the stiff arm knocked him down. I just got kind of lucky.”
Luck or not, Quatman finished with four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Gabe Sira added 100 yards rushing for LCC.
McComb came within three points with a 5-yard Andrew Swisher touchdown with 3:07 remaining, Swisher’s third score of the day. The extra point was blocked, though, and Parker recovered the ensuing onsides kick.
Swisher finished with 171 yards rushing on 29 carries.
“It was just a great battle, a physical football game,” Palte said. “Everyone’s going to need icepacks after that game. There were some really big hits, and it was just a really, really good football game.”
Reach David Trinko at 567-242-0467 or on Twitter @Lima_Trinko.
