Veritas Pushes JH to Overtime

LAWRENCE, KS - The Patriot Junior High squad brought plenty of confidence into tonight's contest against Veritas after dominating the Eagles in a scrimmage two weeks ago, however, things turned out much differently this time.  Christ Prep won 28-26 on a Grant Stamatis keeper for the two point conversion in overtime to preserve a season opening victory for the second consecutive season.

Coach Tom Hurley's team opened the game and looked as though they might dominate by forcing a three and out and blocking the ensuing punt to take possession at the Eagles 29 yard line.  Seven plays later Stamatis hit a streaking Noah Blair for an 11 yard touchdown.  Christ Prep scored again to take a 14-0 lead just before the half when Stamatis bootlegged away from the defense and then Graham Sutherland converted the extra point.

But with 17 seconds to play in the half Veritas broke loose for a 34 touchdown run to make the score 14-6. Then the Eagles scored again on their first possession of the second half to tighten the score to 14-12.

The Patriots again hit pay dirt but this time it was Jacob Hansen who got behind the defense and pulled in the Stamatis pass for a 33 yard strike and make the score 20-12.  The game was almost out of reach as Grant Gilkison caught a pass along the CPA sideline but the Eagles dragged him down from behind a force the ball loose at the five yard line to regain possession.

Back to back scoring drives from Veritas tied the game at the end of regulation and the the Eagles scored in overtime but failed the point after attempt.  Grant Gilkison redeemed himself by catching a pass and powering into the endzone to tie the game in overtime and setup Stamatis for the game winning extra point.

NOTES:

• Trey Mastalaz, Noah Blair and Sullivan all led the team with 5 tackles each.
• Veritas was the rushing battle 111-71 mostly on quarterback keepers.
• Stamatis went 4-10 0 Int 2 TDs plus 33 rushing yards.
• Riley Gilkison led the Patriots in rushing with 39 yards.