National Spotlight, Dominant Victory: St. Edward's Statement Win Over Good Counsel
In a nationally televised matchup on ESPN, the St. Edward Eagles, ranked #18, squared off against the #21 ranked Our Lady of Good Counsel Falcons from Maryland. This game marked the Eagles' second consecutive face-off against an out-of-state opponent, following their 27-10 victory over Indiana's Center Grove in the NEO vs. America Showcase.
The match started with both teams' defenses dominating, halting the initial drives. The Eagles took the lead when a snap sailed over the head of Good Counsel's QB, Frankie Weaver. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Tayvin Shaw to recover the ball in the end zone, scoring the game's first touchdown. This put the Eagles ahead 7-0 with 7:39 remaining in the first quarter.
Good Counsel's safety, Faheem Delane, made a pivotal interception, setting the stage for a game-tying touchdown by Dilin Jones, leveling the score at 7-7. The Falcons began to find their rhythm with Jones, a Wisconsin commit, giving him 21 carries in the first half, which amounted to 143 yards. The first quarter concluded with a highlight for Good Counsel as Clemson commit Darion Mayo outmaneuvered Michigan-bound Ben Roebuck to sack the Eagles' QB, Bullock.
The second quarter was marked by intense competition, culminating in a dramatic moment. Bullock's Hail Mary pass seemed to connect with Zach Hackleman for a touchdown, but officials ruled him just shy of the end zone, leaving the teams tied at 7 as they headed into halftime.
In the second half, the Eagles' offense came alive. A meticulous 15-play drive ended with a touchdown by Bullock, pushing the Eagles to a 14-7 lead. Their defense, bolstered by a significant sack from LB Nate Gregory, kept the Falcons at bay, leading to another touchdown by Josh Groudle. By the fourth quarter, a 24-yard touchdown pass from Bullock to Brian Sullivan extended the Eagles' lead to 28-7.
While Good Counsel's RB, Dilin Jones, impressed with 143 yards and a touchdown in the first half, an injury limited his contribution in the latter half. The Eagles' defense was unyielding, confining the Falcons to negative yardage in the second half and only 119 total yards for the entire game. St. Edward's Camrin Boone, an Eastern Michigan recruit, delivered a standout performance, restricting Florida State commit Elijah Moore to a single catch.
Following this win, the Eagles are gearing up for another formidable opponent, as they prepare to welcome Rock Creek Christian Academy from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to Lakewood next Saturday.