Fifth Quarter: Heartbreaking Loss For Gaels In Playoffs
While Madrid celebrated its stunning victory Friday night in the opening round of the Class A playoffs, heartbreak was felt on the other sidelines. St. Edmond entered as the favorite to advance, but the Gaels were unable to shake turnovers…
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Continue ReadingWhile Madrid celebrated its stunning victory Friday night in the opening round of the Class A playoffs, heartbreak was felt on the other sidelines.
St. Edmond entered as the favorite to advance, but the Gaels were unable to shake turnovers and special teams gaffes in this one, falling to the Tigers, 41-38.
Madrid’s Matt Fuller returned not one, but two, kickoffs back for touchdowns in the first half and added a 27-yard scoring jaunt.
After falling behind by 10 entering the fourth, Tiger quarterback Brady Leonard took control, scoring twice including the game-winner on a slick 11-yard TD jaunt with just 38 seconds left.
St. Edmond quarterback Drew Schaeffer tried to rally the troops, but a last-ditch effort was denied.
Schaeffer finished his career as the school’s single-season record holder for yards passing and touchdowns, and is second in yards passing and TDs for a career. He was 13-for-31 for 321 yards and three touchdowns on this night.
Parker Oswald, who eclipsed the single-season mark for yards receiving, finished with six receptions for 152 yards including TD catches of 31 and 52 yards. Anthony Lacina also hauled in a 73-yard TD pass with Kase Baker recording a rushing touchdown.
For Madrid, which advances to face defending state champion West Hancock, Conner Williams ran for 130 yards, Leonard 99 and Fuller 64. Leonard also threw for 109 yards, hitting Cayden Fuson six times for 93 and a score.
End Of The Road
It was a tough, emotional finish for 11 Gael seniors who helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in several years. The five wins also equaled the total from the previous two years combined.
Drew Schaeffer, Parker Oswald, Anthony Lacina, Thornton Aljets, Kase Baker, Sean Flattery, Brock Stanek, Andrew Elbert, Peyton Scott, Nathan Russell and Ryan McGonegle all suited up for the final time.
What’s Next For Madrid?
The Tigers, who were just 2-3 during the regular season, will try to pull a second upset when they face West Hancock.
After dealing with the spread-style offense of St. Edmond, Madrid will be tested by a run-first, run-second and run-third attack from the Eagles.