Frisco, TX - The inaugural Catholic Bowl 2021 between Nolan Catholic and Little Rock Catholic pitted two teams battling for bragging rights Saturday night. Senior quarterback TJ Williams converted a two point conversion in the third overtime to secure a 36-34 Viking victory after both teams failed to score in the first two overtime periods. The Vikings, who out gained the Rockets, 550-424, found a way to win despite committing over 200 yards worth of penalties.
Viking football head coach David Beaudin knows his team was fortunate to win.
“We have some disappointed guys in our locker room who know we have to play better,” Beaudin stated. “From an execution standpoint we have to be better and more disciplined. We can not continue to play behind the chains and expect success. It is however more enjoyable to correct our mistakes after a win for sure. I am beyond proud of all of the guys sticking together and finding a way to win.”
The Vikings (1-1) took an early lead right out the gate when junior quarterback Cole Matsuda connected with junior wide receiver Jaiden Burnett for a 21 yard touchdown pass. The Vikings would add the next score of the game as well, when Williams scampered in the end zone from 9 yards out making the score 13-0.
Little Rock Catholic would score the next 16 points unanswered before sophomore running back Kewan Lacy made his presence known. Lacy would break two rushing touchdowns, one from 15 yards out as well as a 90 yard run, making the score 27-16.
Lacy led the Vikings rushing attack with 242 yards on 18 attempts. The Vikings outgained the Rockets on the ground 382-10.
The Rockets would score twice over the game's final six minutes of regulation to force overtime. With thirty four seconds left, the Rockets, Dominic Keeton, scored from 29 yards out to tie the game.
After both teams failed to score on their offensive possessions in both overtimes, the game went into triple overtime. Per the rules of overtime periods, teams attempt two point conversions beginning with the third overtime period.
Senior linebacker Dalton Seger made the play of the game, sacking Rockets quarterback Preston Scott, setting the stage for Williams' game winning run.
Matsuda finished 12-20, 123 yards passing while Burnett led all receivers with 9 catches for 99 yards.
The Vikings will travel to Los Angeles, California this Saturday to take on Santa Margarita (CA) in the 2021 Trinity vs The USA Showcase. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm central.
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