Shamrock Football Opens Season with a Bang

On Friday, the Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks hosted the Battle Creek St. Philip Tigers for the first game of the season. The Shamrocks scored on the first play from scrimmage, and never looked back, winning the game 49-8.

In the first quarter, the talented running back duo of Derec Fedewa and Payton Russman wasted no time, with Fedewa scoring on a 54 yard sweep, and Russman scoring on a 3 yard rush, and a 38 yard touchdown pass from QB Lucas Simons. Tyler Groothuis kicked two extra points and Lucas Simon ran in a two point conversion, leaving the score 22-0 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Shane Cook scored on a 66 yard punt return, and caught a 12 yard touchdown pass from Simon. The Tigers broke loose on a 73 yard touchdown pass and completed the two point conversion. Payton Russman busted a 35 yard run, and Freshmen Gabe Wernet broke up a pass and Braxton Teachworth snatched it and returned the interception 40 yards to make the score 49-8 at halftime.

The Shamrocks played good clean football, and did not run up the score any more in the second half against the short handed Tigers, leaving the final 49-8.

Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Lucas Simon who went 5 for 6 with 130 yard and 2 touchdowns. Derec Fedewa carried the ball 9 times for 132 yards and 1 touchdown, and Payton Russman carried the ball 9 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Shane Cook had a great all around night, catching one touchdown pass, and returning a punt for a touchdown.

Defensive leaders for St. Patrick were Braxton Teachworth with 11 tackles and 3 assists and 2 tackles for loss, Landon Simpson with 3 tackles and 3 assists, Payton Russman with 2 tackles 7 assists and 1 tackle for loss.

The Shamrocks host Tekonsha on Friday, September 3rd at 7 pm.

Photo by Lindsey Bos.