Trojans celebrate at first home game
CCC – The Bishop Chatard Trojans kicked off a new era on Friday night, playing the first home game in school history. They hosted conference rival Brebeuf Jesuit, defeating the Braves 38-7.
The packed house was rocked early when Brebeuf’s Caleb Ellison found Gabe Wright on their third offensive snap of the game, resulting in an 87-yard touchdown strike. It was not until the second quarter that the Trojans began to hit their stride.
Chatard’s Mark Nondorf hit Andrew Sowinski for an 11-yard score to tie the game late in the second quarter. A 31-yard field goal from Ben Schrage at the gun pushed the Trojans into a 10-7 lead heading into the half. A 21-point third quarter put the game on ice. Junior running back Daylon Taylor added two 2-yard rushing scores. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown by Tim McNelis capped the scoring for the third period. In the fourth, Nondorf would once again throw into the endzone, finding Taylor for a 16-yard score.
The Braves were held to 6 first downs and -40 yard rushing. Ellison finished the night with 173 yards on 9 of 13 passing before leaving the game with an injury in the third quarter. Jay Higgins led the Braves in receptions (5 for 65 yards) and Wright gained the most receiving yards (4 receptions for 125 yards).
The Trojans’ offense showed perfect symmetry, both rushing and passing for 180 yards each. Nondorf finished the night 16 of 29 for 159 yards and a score. Taylor rushed 18 times for 155 yards and two scores (1 reception for 16 yards and a touchdown). John Marsella led the home team with 7 receptions for 71 yards.
The Brebeuf defense was led by Christian Troupe who had seven unassisted tackles. David Whittemore dominated for the Trojans with 6 unassisted tackles, 3 tackle assists, and 2.5 sacks. Jackson Sherby pulled in an interception, as well.
The next conference game for Bishop Chatard will be at Roncalli Week 3. The Rebels lost their opener to Southport, 36-28. Brebeuf Jesuit does not play in-conference again until they see Roncalli in Week 6.
The co-players of the game were Daylon Taylor and David Whittemore.
