PEABODY — With two 5-1 programs facing off in a rivalry match on a cold October night, Thursday was one to remember between Catholic Central powerhouses Bishop Fenwick and Bishop Feehan.
It went into overtime, too, but in the end, host Fenwick picked up its second loss of the season in a 29-26 finish.
Even though the Shamrocks came away victorious, it was Fenwick starting hot, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Fenwick’ defense forced Feehan into four punts on its first four drives, and leaned on Luke Connolly (44 yards, TD) and Anthony Nichols in the rushing game, as they each punched in scores to take the commanding lead.
Kurtis Bruch (99 total yards) also helped in the offensive effort, hauling in an acrobatic 41-yard catch down the sideline to set up Nichols’ score.
However, Feehan bounced back in the second quarter, using a 74-yard, five-minute drive to spur its comeback and cut the lead to seven with a two-yard rushing score.
On the Crusaders’ ensuing drive, an interception from the Shamrocks just 22 yards away from their endzone flipped the momentum. With 1:21 remaining in the half, another short touchdown rush from Feehan evened the game, 14-14.
Both defenses stepped up big in the second half with a combined five punts and only six total points scored. Teams traded field goals and made it a 17-17 game as the clock continued to tick.
The Crusaders had one last chance at a game-winning drive with 1:06 remaining in the game at midfield. After Brayden Clifford (101 pass yards) linked up with Mike Zaimi for a 15-yard gain, Clifford and the offense had a Hail Mary shot at the end zone with six seconds remaining.
Clifford’s arm reached the end zone, but the pass was incomplete, and the theatrics carried on.
In overtime, neither side could find the endzone, and each cashed in on two field goals (23-23).
After Fenwick was forced to settle for another field goal, Feehan found broken coverage on its next possession for a 10-yard score to win the game.
The Crusaders travel to Bishop Stang for their regular season finale next Friday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.
