Ursuline's Unbeaten Run Continues With Win Over VASJ
On Friday night, the Ursuline Irish and the Villa Angela St. Joseph Vikings clashed at Stambaugh Stadium. The atmosphere was electric, with both teams having a lot to prove.
Ursuline, undefeated at 7-0 and sitting comfortably atop Division 3 Region 9, was the team to beat. On the other hand, VASJ, with a 5-2 record, was eager to redeem themselves after a crushing 51-20 defeat to Bishop Hartley and a haunting 40-0 loss to Ursuline the previous year.
The game started off with some strong defense from both sides. The scoring commenced in the first quarter when VASJ's QB Kylan Steuball's crucial 15-yard run on a 3rd and 14, set the stage for Bo Jackson's 10-yard touchdown. Ursuline, however, blocked the extra point, keeping the score at 6-0.
Not to be outdone, Ursuline's Christian Lynch broke free on the first play of their drive, setting up Joe Balog's 35-yard touchdown run. With the successful extra point, Ursuline took the lead 7-6.
The first half was a roller coaster of emotions. Bo Jackson's 1-yard TD run, a pick-six by Ursuline's Tairan Davis, and an 8-yard TD run by VASJ's RB Amani Powell kept fans on the edge of their seats. A series of dramatic plays, including a fumble recovery by Ursuline's Robert Gilmore and a touchdown by Lynch, ended the half with Ursuline leading 21-18.
The second half began with a bang as DC Ferrell returned the opening kick for a touchdown, stretching Ursuline's lead to 28-18. The game continued with interceptions, punts, and a relentless Ursuline offense. A 1-yard TD run by Lynch and a 32-yard field goal by Gavin Sedoris sealed the deal for the Irish, ending the game at 38-18.
After the game, Ursuline's RB, Christian Lynch, reflected on the team's success and their move to 8-0. "It means a lot to us because it's something that hasn't been done in over a decade in our school history. Nobody believed we could achieve this except for the guys in the locker room," he said. He continued, "Defense has been a standout issue for us over the years, but this year they have held very good teams to low scores. Other significant contributors to our success have been our explosiveness on offense and our ability to distribute the ball to all our key players."
Speaking of key players, DC Ferrell, who made significant plays on offense, special teams, and even secured an interception, shared his thoughts on his kickoff return touchdown after halftime. "I had an opportunity to make a play during the first half on a kickoff, so I was determined to make up for it in the second half," he explained. Ferrell, wanting to stay grounded, concluded by saying, "This victory feels like any other, to be honest. We just have to ensure we execute every week and remain focused."
Looking ahead, the Irish will face Chaney, who is riding the momentum of 2 straight wins, while VASJ will challenge Akron St. Vincent St. Mary.