By Greg Swiderski ’72
St. Patrick’s Cinderella football season ended with a 14-0 loss at Sycamore Saturday afternoon in the states Class 5A quarterfinals.
The # 13 Shamrocks had several chances to score against #9 Sycamore now 9-3 in the first half and second half but was not able to cash in on the opportunities.
St. Patrick closed their season at 7-5 with the Catholic League/ESCC Purple division title and the schools first ever trip to the states quarterfinals.
“This is a very special team,” said Adam Guerra now in his fifth year as head coach. “I thank the parents, the students, alumni, and fans for the great support they gave us all season. It was tough to go out like this. I would have liked to have a few more weeks with these players.”
The Spartans were a worthy opponent in as much as they beat the top seed Glenbard South 34-0 last weekend.
Ryan Cira gave the Shamrocks a second quarter opportunity recovering a Sycamore fumble at the St. Patrick 39.
After a 9 yard gain from Alex Goworowski, quarterback Jermane Youing was hit in the backfield while attempting a pass and the ball was knocked loose for a 25 yard loss.
Young punted to the Shamrock 49.
It took the Spartans 7 plays to go 49 yards.
Quarterback Elijah Meier connected with Jacob O’Donnell in the right corner of the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
The Shamrocks ran out of time to end the first half where a drive from their 22 stalled at Sycamore’s 35.
Sycamores Sam Carlson broke loose for a 50 yard run and the Spartans second touchdown on their first possession of the second half for a 14-0 lead.
Jack Fuller intercepted for the Shamrocks at their own 30 with 2:15 left in the third quarter.
That drive ended at the Sycamore 31.
A poor snap from center by the Spartans gave St. Patrick their last hope to score at the Sycamore 13 late in the game. The Shamrocks gave up the ball on downs at the 17.
St. Patrick finished with 84 rushing yards. Goworowski had 48 yards in 10 carries. Young had 35 yards in 21 attempts. Young completed 11 of 25 passes for 81 yards.
“There are no words for how proud I am of these players,” said Guerra. “We have been a very together team all year. They believed in team play. They never got down on themselves and they played hard.”
