St. Thomas Aquinas Football Rallies Late for Semifinal Berth
St. Thomas Aquinas Football staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter to secure a 21-7 victory over Sanborn and advance to the semifinals. The game was a hard-fought battle, with both teams struggling to put points on the board until St. Thomas Aquinas scored twice in just over a minute to secure the win.
The late surge began when Michael Skowron ran for a 13-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining, breaking the 7-7 tie. Shortly after, Declan Healy intercepted a pass from Sanborn and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, sealing the victory for the fourth-seeded Saints.
Head coach Ed McDonough celebrated his 100th career win with the team, who trailed 7-0 at halftime. Despite the halftime deficit, McDonough remained confident in his players and urged them to stay calm and focused.
The Saints came out strong in the second half, with Timmy Avery scoring a game-tying 13-yard touchdown run on their opening drive. Avery finished the game with 98 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Trent Salyards contributed 76 rushing yards on 14 carries, and Skowron added 50 rushing yards and a score.
Here are the key takeaways from the game:
1. Blocked Field Goal: In a pivotal moment, Avery burst through the Sanborn line and blocked a potential go-ahead field goal, giving the Saints momentum. Healy picked up the loose ball and returned it to the Sanborn 47-yard line, setting up the Saints’ go-ahead touchdown.
2. Avery’s All-Around Performance: Avery made his presence felt in all phases of the game. In addition to his rushing touchdown, he had a fumble recovery and made a crucial tackle for a loss, showcasing his versatility and impact on the team.
3. Skowron’s Determination: Despite a slow start, Skowron proved to be a weapon for the Saints. He made crucial runs in key situations, including a 27-yard gain on a fourth-and-2 play that kept the Saints’ game-tying drive alive. Skowron’s ability to make smart choices and elude defenders proved vital to the team’s success.
4. Strong Defensive Performance: St. Thomas Aquinas’ defense stepped up in the second half, holding Sanborn to less than 60 yards of total offense. After allowing over 80 yards to Sanborn’s Austin Ingersoll in the first half, the defense tightened up and limited his impact in the final two quarters.
5. Healy’s Game-Sealing Interception: It was fitting that Healy ended the game with a defensive touchdown. Intercepting a pass from Sanborn’s quarterback, Healy saw open field ahead of him and returned the interception for a score. This play solidified the Saints’ victory and provided a boost of confidence for the team.
Looking ahead, St. Thomas Aquinas will face the winner of the quarterfinal game between No. 1 Pelham and No. 8 Kennett in the semifinals next Saturday. The Saints will need to maintain their strong performance and energy if they want to continue their playoff run.
Despite a challenging first half and some mistakes on offense, the Saints rallied together, overcame adversity, and found a way to secure the win. The team’s ability to stay resilient and make key plays when it mattered most bodes well for their upcoming semifinal matchup.
