Nobody within the Owensboro Catholic soccer program is shocked the Aces are competing for a 2A state championship at this time. Ever since a nailbiting loss within the quarterfinals final yr, the crew has been centered on proving they’ve what it takes to say Catholic’s first-ever title. Head Coach Jason Morris stated if they will knock off tradition-rich Mayfield, the win could be for everybody who’s ever donned the Aces’ uniform.
Owensboro Catholic has seemed mighty spectacular all through their 14-0 season. The Aces have outscored their opponents 673-179 (a mean of 36 factors per sport), with most video games hitting the working clock threshold of a 36-point lead earlier than halftime. Even when the postseason got here, Catholic continued to blow previous opponents with ease — outscoring them 204-54 in 4 video games.
The exceptional run isn’t one thing that developed out of skinny air this season. The groundwork was laid over the past 3 years, when the Aces fell brief within the state quarterfinals however bought a bit of nearer to profitable every time — together with being one play wanting a victory final yr in opposition to Lexington Christian Academy.
“There wasn’t a degree on this season the place one thing clicked. It actually goes again to the LCA sport final yr,” Morris stated. “Our purpose was to win the state championship, and we felt like we had the crew to do it. We got here up an inch brief in opposition to LCA. It clicked final yr, and this has simply been type of a continuation off of final season.”
The Aces weren’t glad with simply getting previous that regional sport this yr, as they dispatched Somerset 44-15 within the semifinals every week in the past.
That win allowed Catholic to advance to their first championship sport since 2010. They’ll tackle a 2A powerhouse in Mayfield (12-1), which is using a 10-game win streak after edging previous Beechwood 31-28 on a last-second area purpose final week.
Catholic is 0-4 in title video games, having misplaced in 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Mayfield has gained 12 state championships, together with 4 straight from 2012-15. They’ve appeared in 12 of the final 15 championship video games.
However historical past gained’t matter when the Aces and Cardinals take the sector at this time. It’s all as much as the gamers on the gridiron, and there will definitely be some playmakers on each side of the ball all sport lengthy.
Catholic’s clear star energy is within the duo of quarterback Brady Atwell and receiver Tutt Carrico.
Atwell has accomplished 277 of 386 passes for 4,227 yards and 65 touchdowns with 6 interceptions this season. He’s additionally a menace when he leaves the pocket, main the crew with 58 carries for 657 yards and 13 speeding touchdowns.
Carrico has caught 84 passes for 1,587 yards and 27 scores. The 27 receiving touchdowns is one off the state document of 28. Carrico’s presence extends effectively past the offensive facet of the ball. Defensively, he’s compelled 4 fumbles and recovered 2 to go together with 6 interceptions, 1 of which was returned for a landing. He’s additionally a significant menace on punt return, typically selecting up large yards after making the catch.
The Aces have loads of different expertise on offense, together with a line that always gives Atwell loads of time within the pocket. Different main receivers are Noah Rhinerson (57 catches, 904 yards, 12 touchdowns), Waryn Ebelhar (46, 801, 13), and Deuce Sims (44, 544, 6).
Defensively, Vince Carrico leads the way in which with 185 tackles (57 solo), with 13.5 for loss and 4 sacks. The crew has recorded 75.5 tackles for loss and 28 sacks. The Aces have additionally recorded 17 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) and 15 fumble recoveries (1 returned).
Mayfield’s protection equally has wreaked havoc on the opposition this season, together with recording 26 sacks. They’ve recorded 18 interceptions (Diego Torres has 4 and three gamers have 3) and returned 3 for scores. They’ve recovered 11 fumbles (1 returned for a landing). Ian Williams leads the crew with 109 tackles (59 solo).
The Cardinals even have their very own dominant 1-2 punch, although it’s a extra balanced assault from quarterback Zane Cartwright and working again Ju Ju Starks.
Cartwright has accomplished 137 of 191 passes for two,306 yards and 32 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Xavier Biggs (29 catches, 542 yards, 9 touchdowns) is the main receiver, adopted by Braden Morris (30, 509, 7) and Mak Hoover (25, 421, 7).
Starks, in the meantime, has 174 carries for 1,533 yards and 29 touchdowns on the bottom.
“They’ve bought actually good athletes all around the area,” Morris stated. “They like to run the soccer and throw screens. Defensively, they simply overwhelm you with how exhausting they play. It’s simply gonna be two nice groups who play extraordinarily exhausting battling it out for 4 quarters.”
Morris stated a win could be significant to all the Catholic group.
“Owensboro Catholic soccer is necessary and has been so shut so many occasions all through the years,” he stated. “This one, if we have been to win it, could be for everybody who’s performed right here earlier than. That’s what we all the time discuss, it’s that togetherness that we’ve inside our Catholic group. We’re enjoying for one another, but additionally for everybody who’s performed earlier than us.”
Kickoff is ready for 3 p.m. CST at Kroger Subject in Lexington. The audio broadcast will be discovered on Owensboro Catholic Sports activities Community and KHSAA.web. A video broadcast will be discovered on KHSAA.web (subscription required).
Comply with @owensborosports on X (previously Twitter) for dwell updates through the sport.
