COATESVILLE – Last year the Burrs defeated Lancaster Catholic in the semis, 37-14. This year Lancaster Catholic would return the favor.
Lancaster Catholic (14-1) quarterback Kyle Smith’s touchdown pass with 1:01 remaining sealed the comeback as the Crusaders defeated West Catholic 23-21 in the PIAA Class 2A Eastern finals.
With the win Lancaster Catholic will now have their first visit in the state finals.
Kyle Smith said, “It means everything. We’ve worked all year to get back to this point. So to come out with a victory this time is really special.”
Lancaster Catholic put together two long drives in the first quarter, keeping West Catholic’s offense on the bench. The Burrs had two three-and-outs in the opening quarter.
The Crusaders scored first on a 20-yard scramble by Smith. Geoffrey Arentz’s kick made it 7-0 Lancaster Catholic.
The Crusaders would add to their lead. Arentz added a 22-yard field goal with 6:49 remaining in the first half to give them a 10-0 lead.
Following a three-and-out, West Catholic’s punt came up short. West Catholic’s Defensive end Jim Lynch blocked a 39-yard field goal attempt by Arentz to hold the Crusaders’ lead at 10-0.
Right before the half West Catholic’s quarterback Jarred Evans hit Quran Kent on a 40-yard bomb. Evans would find Lynch for the 10-yard score with 31 seconds remaining in the half. Tim Carroll’s extra point cut the Crusaders lead to 10-7.
During the drive the Burrs converted on two third down plays and one fourth down.
In the second half, Evans scored on a five-yard run for the Burrs.
But the Crusaders would answer the scoring drive by West Catholic. They drove 64-yards and running back Jordan Stewart finished the drive by scoring on a two-yard run. The Crusaders led 17-14.
West Catholic would come right back. Brandon Hollomon’s 49-yard galloped put West Catholic up 21-17 with 7:31 remaining.
Now it was Kyle Smith’s time. The Crusaders took over at their 28. Smith hit Kevin Cotchen for a 17-yard gain and hit Andrew Millay on a 15-yard gain during the drive. Smith ran eight-yards to the Burrs 9.
After a time-out All-State quarterback Smith calmy hit Cotchen for the 9-yard touchdown pass with 1:01 remaining. Arentz’s extra point sailed wide left. The Crusaders led 23-21.
It was Smith’s 50th touchdown pass, which broke the state’s all-time single-season record. Smith finished the game completing 10 of 14 passes for 162 yards and one score.
Smith’s career passing statistics are now 8,510 yards passing and 118 touchdowns. Both are state records.
Lancaster head coach Bruce Harbach said, ”You couldn’t have scripted it better. That was the biggest one of his career so far.”
West Catholic was down only two points and had 56 seconds left and two time outs. There was a chance to win the game on a field goal.
West Catholic season would come down to a 4th down and 15 play. They tried a hook-and-latter that failed and their season would come to an end.
Crusaders Running back Jordan Stewart rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries and one score.
With the win Lancaster Catholic will play western champs Greensburg Central Catholic (13-2) who defeated Wilmington 14-10.
2 Responses
West Catholic is one of the best teams in the state.They also showed good sportsmanship,both the players and fans, in the close loss.Hope to see them next year.
this one was two heavyweights slugging it out,someone had to fall. Great game to both teams.