Shamrocks pitch a shutout in first round of playoffs

The Shamrocks of Portland St. Patrick hosted the Rams of North Adams-Jerome on Saturday, October 31st for the first round of the COVID expanded 2020 playoffs. As expected, the Shamrocks dominated from start to finish, winning a 52-0 victory. 

In the first quarter, on the opening kickoff, freshmen speedster Lucas Simon took the kickoff and following a few great blocks returned it for a 72-yard touchdown. The Shamrocks dominated the Rams defensively, and on the next possession, Lucas Simon struck again on a 36-yard touchdown rush. Brian Kwiecinski blasted on through the uprights to make the score 13-0. The Shamrocks were not done in the first quarter, as QB Connor Cross broke loose on a 34-yard scramble, making the score 19-0 after one quarter of play. 

The second quarter was more of the same, with Derec Fedewa breaking a 20-yard touchdown run, and Brian Kwiecinski making the point after. Braxton Teachworth caught a pass from Connor Cross next. Derec scored again on a 14-yard touchdown run. Shane Cook capped the quarter with a 44-yard touchdown reception that featured an exceptional downfield block from Lucas Simon. With extra points by Brian Kwiecinski, the score was 45-0 at halftime. 

After halftime, the Shamrock freshmen took the field for a tough matchup against the Rams. The Shamrock defense was up for the task, and continue to shut out the older and bigger Rams. The only score after halftime was a defensive interception return by Jacobe Dunnings-Hayes on a 48-yard interception return. 

Offensive leaders for the Shamrocks were Payton Russman with 9 carries for 90 yards, Derec Fedewa with 6 carries for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns. Shane Cook had 1 reception for 44 yards and a touchdown, and Braxton Teachworth had 1 reception for 13 yards and a touchdown. 

Defensively, Braxton Teachworth led with 11 tackles. Jacobe Hayes-Dunning had 9 tackles and 1 tackle for loss (TFL). Lucas Simon had 8 tackles, Tyler Groothuis had 5 tackles, and Riley Mosser had 3 tackles. 

The Shamrocks will host the 5-2 Waldron Spartans on Saturday, November 7th at 2 pm at Portland High School. 

Photos by Lindsey Bos.