Tim Odom of the Crusaders was sweating so much that he had to change shirts 81 minutes before St. Henry’s first football game versus Holy Cross on Friday.
Paige Von Eye, a senior at St. Henry, and several hundred of her closest friends were wearing red t-shirts with excitement in the student section. According to her, the atmosphere was lively. We were giddy with anticipation.
The Crusaders were even led on the field by an American Quarterhorse.The game ball is delivered by a Crusader. Image courtesy of Rob Lux
But Holy Cross wasn’t deterred; the Indians won 47-0 at Gumz Family Track & Field at Griffin Stadium thanks to quarterback Brian Ferguson’s three touchdowns, including two to Braylon Thornberry.
Although the Indians defeated the Crusaders 408-122, St. Henry coach Tim Odom encouraged his troops to appreciate the affection the Crusaders fans showed them.Brady Aubuchon, a kicker for St. Henry, sends the first kickoff downfield. Lucas Pate (36), and William Miller (11) were also on kick coverage. Image courtesy of Rob Lux
We’re young, you know,” Odom remarked. Five freshmen are playing for the varsity starting. We simply want to improve both spiritually and fundamentally, thus we’ll learn the game at our own pace.
St. Henry senior Caden Kunstek appreciated how tight the St. Henry community is.
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Kunstek remarked, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from anyone here.” However, witnessing everyone there, cheering even at the game’s difficult moments, proves that it’s not only this game, the first game, or everyone present. It truly marked the beginning of something, and that is what everyone is anticipating and what inspires us all.
Yes, Friday was just as much about family as it was about football. Dani Odom, Odom’s niece, rode Luke into the field.Tim Odom, coach of St. Henry, talks with quarterback Ryne Ravenscraft about a play. A picture is given. Rob Lux
Walton-Verona alumna Dani Odom stated, “You know, it’s just crazy that I’m a part of the first varsity game ever.” I’m eager to return to the field since I was kind of drugged into it. I’ve never been on a football field with my horse.
Ferguson missed all but one game in the previous season due to injuries. He appeared to be in complete control versus St. Henry. The Indians led 27-0 at the half thanks to touchdown passes to Thornberry for 16 and 34 yards, a 4-yarder to Max Hunt, and a 23-yard run.
Curt Spencer, the coach of Holy Cross, stated that Ferguson participated in the opening game but had a non-contact injury. I therefore approved of the manner he managed the group.
Following all of the pregame activities, Holy Cross (1-0) successfully put things right when Thomas Maddox took the first kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett traveled from Lexington.
While Holy Cross rocks red and black, St. Henry’s is red and navy blue. However, for the majority of the evening, yellow penalty flags were the most common color; the Crusaders had nine for 57 yards and the Indians had 13 for 130 yards.Jude Morith-Lambert, 52, of St. Henry, pursues Holy Cross Charles Oglesby. Image courtesy of Rob Lux
“We just need to keep everyone healthy and clean up a lot of accidents,” Spencer stated.
R Gun D 60, which requires outside receivers to go deep routes, was St. Henry’s most successful play. It was successful. Caden Kunstek outwrestled Holy Cross Cahlil Johnson for the capture after being located by Ryne Ravenscraft.
Tim Odom remarked, “We probably should have pressed them like that earlier in the game.” However, our goal was merely to establish a foundation of knowledge and technique in football.
Elliot Flick, a senior at St. Henry, was pleased with what she witnessed after the game.
According to her, it’s only the beginning of a new custom.
CRUSADERS 0, INDIANS 47
Holy Cross 13-14-13-7 47
Henry St. 0-0-0-0 0
Plays That Score Points
The first quarter
Return kickoff for HC-Thomas Maddox 80 (Gabriel Romito kick), 11:41
HC-Brian Ferguson 6:14, 24 runs (kick failed)
The second quarter
Ferguson to HC-Braylon Thornberry 16 pass (Romito kick) 3:58
Ferguson’s fourth throw to HC-Max Hunt (Romito kick), 0:12
The third quarter
Ferguson’s HC-Thornberry 35 pass (Romito kick), 9:05
Jacob Rieselman, HC 2:19, 74 runs (kick failed)
Quarter four
Noah Deitmaring’s 16-yard pass to HC-Charles Oglesby (Romito kick), 8:22
Stats for the Game
Passing Yards: St. Henry 64 (Ravenscraft 3-14-64-0 TD-1 INT, Viveros 0-2-0-0); Holy Cross 125 (Ferguson 7-10-100-3 TD-0 INT, Deitmaring 2-2-25-0 TD).
Rushing Yards:Holy Cross 283 (Oglesby 7-123, Deitmaring 1-(minus-2), Rieselman 1-74, Ferguson 10-88); St. Henry 59 (L. Pate 8-37, O. Pate 4-(minus-1), Kunstek 2-9, Ravenscraft 5-8, Viveros 1-5).
Receiving: St. Henry (O. Pate 1-16, Penick 1-10, Kunstek 1-38); Holy Cross 125 (Hunt 3-67, Frederick 1-9, Thornberry 2-33, Oglesby 1-16).
First downs: St. Henry 7, Holy Cross 14.
Turnovers: St. Henry 2, Holy Cross 0.
Penalties:Holy Cross. 13-130, St. Henry 5-57.
Records:Holy Cross 1-0, St. Henry 0-1.
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