CRESTVIEW HILLS, KY: #25 Walsh Cavalier Football battled back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter but fell to Thomas More, 24-21, on a 32-yard field goal as time expired Saturday night. The loss was the Cavs first one this season.
The Cavaliers entered the fourth quarter trailing but continued to fight, eventually tying the game at 21-21 with just 1:39 remaining. Thomas More answered with a late drive and converted the game-winning field goal as the clock hit zero.
Thomas More controlled the tempo from the beginning as they opened the scoring on their first drive that was nearly eight minutes long. Walsh answered late in the opening quarter when Brock Huggins connected on a 22-yard field goal as time expired, cutting the deficit to 7-3.
The Saints extended their lead in the second quarter after taking advantage of a Walsh fumble at midfield. Thomas More drove 46 yards and scored on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 5:23 remaining in the half.The Maroon and Gold responded with an important scoring drive of their own. Hayden Wickard connected with Brady Gooding for a 21-yard touchdown with 1:47 remaining in the second quarter. Huggins added the extra point, sending Walsh into halftime trailing 14-10.
Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, as both offenses became stale.
Thomas More added to its lead early in the fourth quarter, pushed the Saints' advantage to 21-10. Eventually, the Cavaliers put together a drive that ended with Huggins drilling a 41-yard field goal with 4:10 remaining, cutting the deficit to 21-13. The Walsh defense then forced another Thomas More punt, giving the Cavaliers one final opportunity. Starting at its own 43-yard line with 2:55 remaining, the Cavaliers marched 57 yards in just 1:16. Wickard connected with Jake Gill for a 24-yard completion to move the Cavs into Thomas More territory before eventually finding the end zone himself on a 5-yard touchdown run with 1:39 remaining.
Walsh elected to go for two, and the conversion was successful, tying the game at 21-21.
Thomas More received the ensuing kickoff with 1:30 remaining and moved 39 yards in eight plays to set up the final kick. Burleigh Davis connected on a 32-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Saints the 24-21 victory.
The Cavs will be on the road once again next week next week as they travel to Hillsdale, Michigan to take on the Hillsdale Chargers.
LOCATION: Republic Bank Field
SCORE: Thomas More 24, Walsh 21
RECORDS: Walsh 4-1 (2-1), Thomas More 1-4 (1-2)
FOR THE CAVS
