Braves Prevail Over Golden Eagles

The Brebeuf Braves came up with big plays at big moments.  After a scoreless first quarter, Guerin was held to a three-and-out possession deep in their own end.  Jacob Pressler broke through the line and blocked the punt attempt into the endzone where Brandon Werth corralled it for the game’s first score.  Guerin Catholic responded with a nice drive, but it was cut short by a fumble on the tail end of a big completion.  Starting at their own 29 yard line, the Braves put together a 13 play, 71 yard drive, culminating in a 1 yard Isiah Martin touchdown plunge.  The 14-0 score would stand heading into the half.  After forcing Brebeuf to punt coming out of the break, Golden Eagles quarterback Luke Keller was intercepted by Howell who ran it back for his the defensive score.  With their back against the wall, Guerin Catholic responded.  They put together a 13 play drive of their own which ended with Keller finding Jake Labus for a 6 yard touchdown pass.  This score would be the evening’s last.  Final score:  Brebeuf 21, Guerin Catholic 6
We have joked about it on Twitter, but it is worth mentioning the dominating performances turned in by both Howell and sophomore Jay Higgins.  Obviously, Howell had the score, but he also had several devastating hits.  He led the team with 6 solo tackles.  Higgins had a combined 3 solos and 9 assists to lead the team with 12 tackle points.  He also hauled in a 16 yard reception on offense.  The Braves are playing at a high level and should prove to be a tough out in the tournament.   Despite four turnovers, Guerin Catholic showed a great deal of improvement from Week 7.  Their offense was much more productive and the defense even stingier.
Brebeuf will next face Blackford on the road.  Jeff Sagarin’s ratings show the Braves as a massive favorite over the 5-5 Bruins.  Currently, Sagarin’s rankings show Brebeuf as the second best team in the North and the fourth best team in the class.  West Lafayette leads the rankings.  They are the opponent most likely to face the winner of Sectional 26 (Brebeuf’s).  Gibson Southern is rated 2nd, and Bishop Chatard is rated 3rd.  These two could potentially meet in the South Semi-State.