O’Dea Bookends Abes Season to State Semi Berth

See game recap below 

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O’Dea Bookends Abes Season to State Semi Berth
By Steve Dion

In a rematch of week one between the O’Dea Fighting Irish & Lincoln Abes which O’Dea prevailed 31-14, the winner of Friday night’s game at Memorial Stadium would punch their ticket to the state semis.

Lincoln worked the opening possession down the field effortlessly until they reached the one yard line where they were stopped and held scoreless. The Irish countered with a touchdown drive capped off with a 36 yard Hunter Franco run.

The momentum swung in Lincoln’s favor midway through the first half when a fourth down stop led to a Ben Malietufa run to the endzone to tie the game. LHS even had a chance to take the lead when they regained possession. However, a forced fumble gave O’Dea the ball back and before the half concluded, Ben Beale found a wide open Sam Sanchez to give the Irish a 14-7 lead heading into the break.

When play resumed, Jamyn Patu earned a heavy dose of O’Dea touches and found an opening from 19 yards out early in the third to put his team up 21-7.

The Abes returned the favor by marching down the field and punching it in from two yards out by LJ Lovelace.

Patu struck back with another touchdown to retain the two-possession lead, could Lincoln keep pace?

Joey Sinclair took to the air and found a heavily covered Kavon Holden who hauled in a tremendous grab to bring the score back within one possession.

With the clock winding down, the Abes found themselves with an opportunity to tie up the game, but a big stop by O’Dea tough defense was enough to finish the Abes comeback threat.

The Fighting Irish return to semifinal weekend under Monte Kohler illustrious tutelage still in heavy contention for another state title.

The Final Score:
O’Dea 28, Lincoln 20.

Top Performer

O’Dea
Jamyn Patu- 2 TD’s (18, 19)