Harding Defeats Catholic Central
The Harding Generals rode a strong defensive effort to a 34-6 victory over a parochial leauge combo team of Christ the King and St. Edwards. Four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns broke open the game in the second half and sent Harding to its first football victory of the year.
The tone was set from the beginning as Andrew Romito (Overbrook) took the opening kickoff over 60 yds to the Central Catholic 15 yard line. Although the offense stalled and could not get on the scoreboard, the Generals were feeling confident. Central Catholic sustained a drive down the field on a strong rushing attack, but Harding held strong. Inside linebacker Ryan Schmadtke '18 intercepted a pass and returned the ball all the way to the Central Catholic 8 yd. line. From there, tailback Jordan Turner (USN) punched it in the endzone on a power play and Schmadtke added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Central Catholic would not be denied, though, as they answered back with a strong drive of their own and a score. The Harding defense held on the two-point conversion and remained in the lead, 7-6. On the ensuing possession, Harding answered back again as tailback Jordan Turner burst through the line and scored on a 45 yd. touchdown run. The extra point send the Generals into the half with a 14-6 lead.
Harding broke open the game in the third quarter with two interception returns for touchdowns. First, outside lineback Andrew Romito dropped beautifully into the slant zone and took an interception to the house. Parker Wainwright '18 then stepped in front of a bubble screen pass and with great concentration took the ball away from the Central Catholic receiver and weaved his way to the end zone. In the blink of an eye, Harding was in the lead 27-6. Romito had two interceptions on the night as did Wainwright.
The final score of the game came late in the 4th quarter as Romito hit the power hole and raced 50 yds for a score and a 34-6 decisive victory. The defense was led by the linebackers and also a great effort on the defensive front made up of Turner, Samuel Hanrahan '18 (who was making plays in the offensive backfield all night), Luke Venable '18, Clarke Johnson '18, Huston Thrasher '19, and Hudson Powell '18.
Hall Oakley '18, Sam Frank '19 and Chase Franck '19 played well in the secondary and did not allow any big plays from the Central Catholic receivers who were the strength of their offense. The defensive backs had multiple pass break-ups and key tackles.
Harding enters a difficult stretch of their schedule as the team plays three games in seven days due to last week's rainout. The Generals are back in action on Monday with a make-up game against Catholic West at 4:30pm at Sohr Family Track and Field. Go Generals!!
Back
The tone was set from the beginning as Andrew Romito (Overbrook) took the opening kickoff over 60 yds to the Central Catholic 15 yard line. Although the offense stalled and could not get on the scoreboard, the Generals were feeling confident. Central Catholic sustained a drive down the field on a strong rushing attack, but Harding held strong. Inside linebacker Ryan Schmadtke '18 intercepted a pass and returned the ball all the way to the Central Catholic 8 yd. line. From there, tailback Jordan Turner (USN) punched it in the endzone on a power play and Schmadtke added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Central Catholic would not be denied, though, as they answered back with a strong drive of their own and a score. The Harding defense held on the two-point conversion and remained in the lead, 7-6. On the ensuing possession, Harding answered back again as tailback Jordan Turner burst through the line and scored on a 45 yd. touchdown run. The extra point send the Generals into the half with a 14-6 lead.
Harding broke open the game in the third quarter with two interception returns for touchdowns. First, outside lineback Andrew Romito dropped beautifully into the slant zone and took an interception to the house. Parker Wainwright '18 then stepped in front of a bubble screen pass and with great concentration took the ball away from the Central Catholic receiver and weaved his way to the end zone. In the blink of an eye, Harding was in the lead 27-6. Romito had two interceptions on the night as did Wainwright.
The final score of the game came late in the 4th quarter as Romito hit the power hole and raced 50 yds for a score and a 34-6 decisive victory. The defense was led by the linebackers and also a great effort on the defensive front made up of Turner, Samuel Hanrahan '18 (who was making plays in the offensive backfield all night), Luke Venable '18, Clarke Johnson '18, Huston Thrasher '19, and Hudson Powell '18.
Hall Oakley '18, Sam Frank '19 and Chase Franck '19 played well in the secondary and did not allow any big plays from the Central Catholic receivers who were the strength of their offense. The defensive backs had multiple pass break-ups and key tackles.
Harding enters a difficult stretch of their schedule as the team plays three games in seven days due to last week's rainout. The Generals are back in action on Monday with a make-up game against Catholic West at 4:30pm at Sohr Family Track and Field. Go Generals!!
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