By Macerio Clark
The Seattle Medium
As the Eastside Catholic Crusaders shook the hands of their opponent and Metro League Rival O’Dea, the players from Eastside Catholic ran to the end zone and made snow angels to cap off a dream season for Eastside Catholic head coach Jeremy Thielbahr as they defeated O’Dea, the defending 3A state champions, 31-13.
The week six rematch between the two powerhouses started off in Eastside Catholic’s favor as they scored on a 22-yard field goal on their opening drive of the game while milking five minutes off the clock. On the ensuing drive, O’Dea quarterback Emonte Scott threw an interception to Eastside Catholic cornerback Sam Adams giving the Crusaders excellent field position at their own 49 yard line. Eastside Catholic capitalized on the turnover, as quarterback Michael Franklin connected with receiver Gio Ursino for a 16-yard touchdown pass to extend its lead over O’Dea 10-0 with 44 seconds left in the first quarter.
On the following drive, O’Dea showing signs of a champion responded to the Crusaders touchdown drive with one of their own as Scott threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to receiver Andre Davis to cut their deficit to three points, trailing 10-7 in the second quarter.
Unfortunately, the Irish would continue to make key mistakes that gave the Crusaders more momentum. With just over three minutes remaining in the half, O’Dea punter Francis Do – Tong would have a 30 yard punt returned by Adams for 20 yards to the O’Dea 32 yard line. Six plays later on 3rd and 1 from the four yard line, Franklin pitched the ball to wide receiver Gee Scott, Jr. for a four yard touchdown run extending its lead to 17-7 as the first half came to an end.
The Crusaders came out of the locker room with intentions to put the finishing touches on the Fighting Irish. On the first drive of the half, Eastside forced O’Dea to its first three and out of the game. On 4th and 9 Do – Tong punted the ball to Adams once again, this time Adams returned the punt 48 yards for a touchdown giving the Crusaders a 24-7 advantage.
Both teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter as Eastside Catholic Dethrones O’Dea and become the 2018 WIAA Class 3A state champions with a final score of 31-13.
All season the Crusaders wanted to prove to the naysayers that they were a forced to be reckoned, and they did so in grand fashion.
“We knew we were the best team in the state we feel like people knew that and we wanted to come out here and prove it,” said Eastside Catholic quarterback Michael Franklin. “Last season ended in a disappointed and it lit a fire under all of us.”
The Crusaders have been participants in five of the last seven WIAA Class 3A state championship games, claiming three of those championships. Eastside Catholic should no longer be looked over as they are in the midst of creating their own dynasty.
Pictorial Highlights of Eastside Catholic vs O’Dea WIAA 3A championship game
Photos by John Saunders
