The Sectional final game is tonight at Roncalli where the Royals play their rival, Chatard. In their previous matchup, Chatard won 9-6, but this game could have a different result since quarterback Jayden Buchanan will be back from an injury that kept him from the lineup for most of the season.
In the sectional semi-final game against Brebeuf, Roncalli won 55-27. Juniors Colin Ash and Zach Dozier combined for another 300+ yard game with four touchdowns. Buchanan came back for his first game since being injured in week four versus Chatard. He connected with senior Rudy Schoettle for a 27-yard touchdown and threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to senior Drew Nelson. Seniors A.J Richardson and Robert Houser led the team with 13 combined tackles. Junior Gavin Louthain kicked a 45-yard field goal.
Another recent game was against Northview in the first game of sectionals. Roncalli won 33-17 and dominated on both sides of the field. Dozier and Ash combined for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, on the other side of the line, senior Eli Lauck and sophomore Will Hegwood both had interceptions. Junior Casey Horton also led the team with 6 tackles and a ½ a sack.
“I was very motivated because I want the team to go far in the state tournament,” Horton said.
The team also had a big win at East Central during the final game of the regular season. The team’s defense posted interceptions from Hegwood, senior Marty Babcock, and one by Richardson that was returned 82 yards. Seniors Robert Houser and Alex Winchester led the team in tackles with nine and seven. On offense, the Royals dominated the run game with over 160 total yards. Dozier and Ash combined for 169 yards with Dozier carrying for two touchdowns. Gavin Louthain also had a 40-yard field goal.
Hegwood was a key part in the win, contributing two interceptions which was part of the team’s game plan to beat the Trojans.
“We had to prepare for their run-heavy offense weeks in advance,” Hegwood said.
