Blanchet Ends 22-Year Winless Streak to O’Dea in Comeback Fashion

Blanchet Ends 22-Year Winless Streak to O’Dea in Comeback Fashion
By Steve Dion

All good things come to an end. For the O’Dea Fighting Irish, their 22-year streak of victories against league opponent Bishop Blanchet did just that Friday night. A large crowd amassed at BBHS to see two undefeated Metro teams battle to maintain a blemish-free record. The home crowd would be rewarded for staying a full four quarters.

BBHS nearly scored early in the game as quarterback Alex Freeman was approaching the endzone coughed up the ball and was smothered by an O’Dea defender for a touchback. However, the defense held strong for first-year Braves Head Coach Kyle Moore. Freeman was able to avenge the early turnover when he connected with Jamiek Satterwhite for a 17 yard strike. O’Dea woke up after that score as their quarterback Nathan West’s nerves appeared to settle down. He matched Blanchet’s touchdown with a 17 yard dart to Sam Sanchez and followed that up with a 21 yard pass to Race Porter following a Blanchet fumble. The Irish carried a 14-7 lead into the half.

An interesting coaching decision that proved successful for the Braves was staying on the field during the intermission. It appeared that Blanchet’s players were gassed and Moore chose to refrain from making his team schlep down the hill into the team locker room.
This payed dividends early as a renewed sense of green and gold energy resulted in an interception by Ryan Howard. Unfortunately, the offense stalled and were forced to give the ball back up. Monte Kohler’s troops responded with a sustained drive that culminated with a 1-yard quarterback sneak by West which was set up by multiple strong runs by tailback Hunter Franco. That would be the Fighting Irish’s last points of the game.

The Braves began their improbable rally by finding the endzone to bring it back within a score. They would then recover a pair of onside kicks and fumble recovery for touchdown. But a lead was not enough. After taking over with a six minutes remaining, the Braves tacked on another touchdown for good measure to secure a 34-21 victory and end to a streak older than any player on the field!

The Final Score: Bishop Blanchet 33 O’Dea 21