Football Defeats St. Francis de Sales, 28-7, to Retain Irish-Knight Trophy
The Central Catholic football team defeated St. Francis de Sales, 28-7, on Friday at the Glass Bowl Stadium on the campus of the University of Toledo. With the victory, the Fighting Irish improve to 8-1 overall, 5-1 in the Catholic High School League.
The 2-time defending state champions scored 3 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to pull away from the arch-rival Knights (6-3, 4-2 CHSL), helping them secure their 23rd-straight win in the series. The Fighting Irish was also aided by 2 interceptions in the final 12 minutes, as they successfully retained the coveted Irish-Knight Trophy. CCHS has not lost to its rival since 2003.
On the 1st play of the 4th period, sophomore QB Ali Beydoun connected with junior WR Sharard Vaughn III on a 22-yard TD strike to give Central Catholic a lead it would not give up.
The Fighting Irish got the ball right back after senior DB D’haron Flowers recorded an interception on St. Francis de Sales’ ensuing possession.
CCHS took full advantage of the turnover and quickly extended its lead to 21-7. Beydoun hooked up with senior WR Levelle Stokes III on a 31-yard TD pass on 4th down to make it a 2-possession difference
Central Catholic was not done causing havoc on defense, as senior DB Anthony Lawrence, Jr. tallied an interception to get the ball right back.
They once again turned the Knights’ miscue into points, as junior RB Anthony Sylvester scored on a 22-yard run to make the final score 28-7.
Senior RB Tyler Morgan rushed for a team-high 92 yards, while Beydoun came off the bench and completed 5-of- 8 passes for 95 yards.
Central Catholic will close out its regular season against Mona Shores next Friday, October 25. The opening kick against the Sailors is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Sailor Stadium. Mona Shore is a member of the Ottawa-Kent Conference, and it has won a pair of state titles on the gridiron in 2019 and 2020. The Fighting Irish will square off against the Sailors for the 1st time.
