First-year Roncalli coach Sam Otley viewed the Royals’ longtime rivalry with Southport through an entirely different lens Friday night.
Having previously witnessed the southside clash as a fan, player and assistant coach, the 31-year-old Otley modeled the main headset this time in Roncalli’s season-opening 37-13 road victory.
“It feels good. The guys worked hard, and they earned it,” Otley said. “But there are a lot of things that can be cleared up. We have to continue to push to get where we want to be. All those Week 1 things to iron out.”
Senior quarterback Jayden Buchanan completed 14 of 21 pass attempts for 288 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Royals’ offense. Zach Dozier snagged three of the aerials for 63 yards and a pair of scores.
Dozier also paced the ground attack, carrying the ball 12 times for 87 yards.
Roncalli and Southport have met in Week 1 against one another all but one season since 2008. The lone exception was 2020, when the opener was canceled due to COVID protocols and the Royals kicked off what became a state championship campaign with a 36-6 victory over Franklin Central.
Defensively, Roncalli was led by lineman Sam Neu, who finished with seven tackles, including two for loss. Brady Tillar and Eli Lauck each had six tackles for the Royals.
“The defense played a heck of a game,” Otley said. “They pitched a shutout in the first half, and we were fortunate to get some guys in to get some meaningful reps.”
Roncalli plays its home opener next Friday when it welcomes Franklin Central.
