By J.D. Neiswanger
For the Daily Journal
Roncalli was ready to rumble from the opening kickoff Friday night against rival Cathedral, but the talented Irish, ranked fifth in Class 6A, proved to be too much in a 35-6 win at the Sellick Bowl on Butler’s campus.
Throughout the night, Roncalli (3-4) won several statistical battles like more rushing yards, more first downs and dominated the time of possession which usually result in victory, but not Friday night. Some big plays in the first half moved Cathedral (5-2) out in front and the Royals couldn’t close the gap.
The Royals opened the game with a 17-play drive that was highlighted by the running of junior running back Zach Dozier, but it ended at the Cathedral 1-yard line when junior quarterback Collin Ash couldn’t get in on fourth down. It proved to be a pivotal moment.
The Irish relied on big plays to hold Roncalli at bay in the first half. An 83-yard TD pass, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a late field goal made it a 17-0 halftime lead for Cathedral.
In spite of that, the Royals were not out of it — but the second half saw Cathedral steadily pull away on the scoreboard with two more TDs, a two-point conversion and a field goal.
The Royals ended the scoring with 2:15 to go in the game when Dozier took it in from 3 yards out. Dozier rushed for 73 yards on 22 carries, while Ash was 9 of 15 passing for 98 yards.
Roncalli will finish the regular season at Class 5A No. 7 East Central.
