For the first time since 2013, the South Christian Sailors and West Catholic Falcons squared off on the gridiron. Two of the state’s most prestigious programs treated their fans to an epic battle on Friday, with South Christian emerging victorious in a 41-38 contest.
Carson Vis got the Sailors’ scoring started, as he aired it out to Charlie DeHaan on a 49-yard touchdown strike. West Catholic would respond, as David Britenfield powered across the goal line from four yards out.
Max Smith would use his leg to give West Catholic their first lead early in the second quarter. He nailed a 42-yard kick to give the Falcons a 10-7 edge. This lead would extend, as Grady Augustyn and Jack Zegunis were a dynamic duo offensively for West Catholic. Their 38-yard touchdown toss pushed the West Catholic lead to ten, 17-7.
South Christian wasted no time in responding, using the explosive playmaking abilities of their signal-caller to their advantage. Vis broke free of the Falcons’ defense, blazing his own trail 78 yards to the end zone.
Britenfield would re-extend the West Catholic lead with a short touchdown jaunt, but Vis again broke free to draw South within striking distance. His 58 yard carry allowed the Sailors to crawl back within three points, 24-21, early in the third quarter.
South Christian would finally regain the lead in the later stages of the third quarter, taking advantage of a loose fumble. With the short field, Vis found Nathan Boomsma for a 21-yard touchdown, giving South a 28-24 advantage.
Grady Augustyn and West Catholic would not settle for a deficit, as they sprinted down the field in 72 yards over three plays. Augustyn found Gabe Schwieters to push the Falcons back ahead 31-28.
Carson Vis seized the opportunity to show West Catholic, the media members in attendance, and the fans, that he is one of the state’s top quarterbacks. First, he found DeHaan again in stride for a 38-yard touchdown that moved South Christian ahead by three points. After a turnover on downs, the Sailors had another chance to strike. Again, it was DeHaan and Vis linking up, and this 32-yard touchdown gave them a 10-point advantage.
A late score by Augustyn inched West Catholic closer, but they were unable to overcome the deficit. Vis finished 17/27 passing in this victory, with 271 yards and three scores. Augustyn had 326 passing yards in defeat.
South Christian, now 3-0 on the season, faces Wyoming in their OK Gold opener next week. West Catholic, 1-2 on the year, will face Spring Lake next Friday.
