Today, David slayed Goliath. Catholic High captured the 2022 LHSLL title and looked poised to repeat going into the 2023 Season. They were loaded at every position, and went undefeated in the regular season. In the quarterfinals, they won 26-2, and cruised through the semis winning 10-5. Just one team stood in the way of perfection, the Jesuit Blue Jays, who they beat earlier in the year.
But Jesuit was ready for the challenge. Their defense, stifling. Offense, opportunistic and blanced. Plan, perfect, or nearly. Jesuit jumped up early on an opeing goal from freshman phenom Zachary Raymond and they never looked back. At the half, Jesuit led 3-0. All State Goalie had 7 saves. Plan working perfectly.
And then the second half came. And the Catholic Bears bounced back. A quick early score gave them life. Catholic dominated the 3rd quarter, Jesuit midfield starting to crack, and running out of steam. Here comes the 4th quarter.
Catholic comes out flying. Goals, Goals, Goals. Nathan Schlegel of Catholic willing his team back into this with multiple goals. 3-1, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4. Tie game. With 20 seconds left, Jesuit hits the would be dagger. 5-4 lead. But Delahouysse wins an important draw, and Catholic calls timeout. 8 secons later, Catholic gets the equalizer. 5-5. To overtime we go.
Both teams come out ready, both have opportunites to score, and bost defenses stand strong. Catholic, thinking they have a game winner get one in, but not before a timeout had been granted by the bench. Jesuit recaputes possesion, goes down the other way, and gets a step down shot in the net.
Game, set, match- Blue Jays slay the proverbail Goliath 6-5.
One of the most exhillirating finishes you'll see anywhere. A fantastic finish to a fantastic finish.
Congrats Blue Jays on your 7th Title. Catholic, we're sure you'll bounce back and reload for next year. Catholic vs Jesuit, the next great rivalry in the LHSLL.