St. John the Baptist Game Report
Sunday, November 2 at Hackley (1:00 P.M.)
As the Hackley Hornets took the field for the final game of the 2003 season, flashes of light from the cameras of parents and friends were still going off. Their efforts were to capture the last fleeting moments of the season for some, and the end of the high school football careers of others. The goal of the Hornets' efforts were clear; close out the season with a win. After their victory over Wright Tech a week earlier, the Hornets were determined to upset a powerful St. John the Baptist team (6-1 CHSFL). To do this, the Hornets knew they would have to put forward their best effort of the season.
Seniors Ernest(78), Jesse(32), Brendan(55C), Kevin(3), & Kristian(66C)
Their goal became more difficult after St. John's first offensive play. A long pass down the right side line hit the receiver in stride, and St. John's held an almost immediate 7-0 advantage. However, this touchdown only seemed to inspire the Hornets' offense, as they drove methodically down to the St. John 10 yard line. But here the 2003-bug bit again. On second and goal inside the 10 yard line, Hackley coughed up the ball, and St. John staved off the Hornets' game tying threat. For the remainder of the first quarter and most of the second, the defenses of both teams dominated play. With three minutes left in the second quarter, the Hackley defense stopped the Cougars, and gave its offense one last opportunity to knot things up before half-time. Once again, the Hornets put together an effective drive, and had a first & goal inside the St. John's five yard line. On third and goal at the one, with seconds remaining in the half, quarterback Brandon Stoller dove over the goal line for the touchdown. Alex Scaros kicked the extra point, and a fired up Hornet squad went into the half tied at seven. As they had planned, the Hornets played their best football of the season in this half of the game.
To the dismay of the Hornets and their faithful, the third period began as the first had when the St. John the Baptist offense drove quickly into the Hackley end-zone to take a 14-7 lead. Hackley was unable to sustain an effective drive, and a pair of big plays resulted in another St. Johns' touchdown. Leading 21-7 the Cougars were demonstrating how they had compiled their impressive record. They combined good size and speed on the offensive and defensive lines with a strong armed quarterback and group of disciplined receivers to put forth a solid effort for four quarters. This more than compensated for the few errors that they made during the course of the game. St. Johns tacked on one more fourth quarter score to seal the 28-7 win.
Despite the loss, the Hornets had put forth their best effort of the season, unfortunately, it was simply not enough to defeat a superior St. John the Baptist team. Hidden in the loss was the fact that the Hornets had improved tremendously as a team over the course of the season. This is proven by the fact they had just gone toe to toe with one of the best CHSFL playoff bound teams in the region. While the Hackley season is over, we wish St. Johns good fortune as they host the Hayes Cardinals in the opening round of the CHSFL playoffs.
The Hornet Junior Varsity squad closed out their 2003 season this week, ending their very successful campaign with only one loss.
Let's congratulate the
Hornets for their efforts this season at the Banquet
& Awards Dinner being held on
Tuesday, November 25th
Well
that's it for now! The Booster Club wishes all a Successful, Happy & Healthy
Journey to Spring Mini-Camp for those returning, & "All the Best"
for Our Soon to be Graduates & Their Loved Ones as Well!