CATHOLIC Irish (2-3)

at

BELFRY Pirates (4-0)

September 25, 2015

Haywood Field

7:30 p.m.

SETTING THE SCENE – Catholic makes a first-ever visit to Belfry…tonight’s game begins a two-game road trip for the Irish…Catholic is ranked tenth in this week’s Associated Press Class 4A poll…Belfry is the two-time defending Kentucky Class 3A state champions…Irish have posted two consecutive 10-win seasons…Irish have won 113 of their last 151 games…Rodgers leads Catholic in both rushing and receiving…Rodgers averages 7.6 yards per-carry and 30.9 yards per-catch…Kuerschen made his season debut last week and posted 10 catches for 200 yards…Cunningham has passed for 591 yards and six touchdowns over the past two games…Fortune tops the Irish in tackles with 75…Fortune has had two consecutive games with 20 or more tackles…Rowan has 12 tackles for-loss so far this season…

THE RECORDS – Catholic is 2-3 in 2015, including a 0-2 mark in Region 2-4A. The Irish lost at home to Fulton, 34-23, last week. Belfry is 4-0 this season. The Pirates won at home over Pikeville last week, 34-8.

ON THE SIDELINE – Steve Matthews is in his third year at the helm of the Irish. He also serves as Catholic’s offensive coordinator. Matthews came to Catholic from Seigel High School in Murfreesboro, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2010-2012. He was head coach at Moore County in 2008 and 2009 and posted a 10-10 record. He also served as QB/WR coach at Tullahoma, his high school alma mater, from 2004-2007. His overall record is 32-19, and his record at Catholic is 22-9. Matthews played collegiately at Tennessee and Memphis.

RACK ‘EM UP – Catholic has won 96 of its last 125 regular-season games.

REGION FOES – Catholic participates in Region 2-4A. Region foes for the Irish include Anderson County, Carter, Central, Fulton, and Union County.

ASSOCIATED PRESS CLASS 4A POLL – Catholic is ranked tenth in this week’s Associated Press Class 4A poll. Fulton is ranked first with 177 overall points and 17 first-place votes. The remainder of the Top 10 includes: 2. Greeneville (151); 3. Hardin County (126/1); 4. Memphis East (121); 5. Marshall County (102); 6. Knox. Central (101); 7. Crockett County (61); 8. Ridgeway (56); 9. Stone Memorial (36); 10. Catholic (15).

 

TEAM STATS – Catholic averages 415.2 yards per-game in total offense, including 128.2 yards on the ground and 287.0 yards through the air. Defensively, Catholic allows 372.4 yards per-game, including 207.0 yards on the ground and 165.4 yards through the air. Catholic averages 25.4 points per-game. Opponents average 28.2 points per-game.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS – Here are Catholic’s leaders in various individual categories:

Rushing: Amari Rodgers – 38 att., 287 yds, 2 TD

Passing: Chase Cunningham – 27-64-7, 688 yds, 6 TD

Receiving: Amari Rodgers – 19 rec., 587 yds, 7 TD

Scoring: Amari Rodgers – 60 pts.

Tackles: Augie Fortune – 75     Tackles for loss: Austin Rowan – 12

Sacks: Beau Hollin – 2.5

Interceptions: Jack Sompayrac – 2

PLAYERS OF NOTE

2 – Cooper Edenfield (QB, 6-3, 195, Sr.): 11-17-2, 361 yds, 2 TD (70, 83) vs. Morristown East…

3 – Amari Rodgers (WR/RB, 5-10, 190, Jr.): 4 rec, 92 yds, 3 TD (31, 28, 18), 6 tackles, 1 PBU vs. Fulton…3 rec, 218 yds, 3 TD (51, 74, 93), 8 att, 112 yds, 93 yd punt ret., 4 tackles, 1 TFL vs. Notre Dame…4 rec, 72 yds vs. Central…3 rec, 90 yds, 1 TD (58); 11 att, 41 yds vs. CPA…7 att, 107 yds,  2 TD (61,19); 5 rec, 115 yds vs. Morristown East…

4 – Jeffery Wood (RB, 5-9, 160, Jr.): 13 att, 31 yds, 2 rec, 24 yds, 2 PBU, 1 INT vs. Notre Dame…9 att, 26 yds, 3 rec, 55 yds vs. Central…16 att, 99 yds, 4 rec, 40 yds vs. CPA…4 rec, 88 yds, 1 TD (70) vs. Morristown East…

10 – Jack Sompayrac (QB/DB, 5-11, 155, So.): 14-23-1, 204 yds, 1 TD (33), 8 tackles, 1 INT vs. Central…7-10-0, 138 yds, 1 TD (58) vs. CPA…23-yd TD run, 6 tackles, 1 INT vs. Morristown East…

16 – Chase Cunningham (QB, 5-8, 140, Jr.): 15-41-3, 322 yds, 3 TD (31, 28, 18) vs. Fulton…6-10-2, 269 yds, 3 TD (51, 74, 93) vs. Notre Dame…

21 – Tony Scott (LB, 6-2, 195, Jr.): 9 tackles vs. Notre Dame…5 tackles, 1 TFL vs. Central…7 tackles, 3 TFL vs. CPA…8 tackles, 3 TFL vs. Morristown East…

22 – Joe Fluker (LB, 5-9, 175, So.): 6 tackles, 1 TFL vs. CPA…14 tackles, 1 sack vs. Morristown East…

33 – Augie Fortune (RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.): 20 tackles, 6 TFL vs. Fulton…22 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 rec, 27 yds vs. Notre Dame…3 rec, 58 yds, 1 TD (33), 12 tackles vs. Central…9 tackles, 2 TFL, vs CPA…12 tackles, vs. Morristown East…

36 Chase Kuerschen (WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Jr.): 10 rec, 200 yds, 7 tackles, 1 INT vs. Fulton…missed first four games because of injury

48 – Morgan Ernst (DB, 5-11, 175, So.): 9 att, 56 yds, 12 tackles, 2 TFL vs. Fulton…11 tackles, 2 PBU vs. Notre Dame…8 tackles vs. Central…11 tackles, 1 TFL vs. CPA…8 tackles, 3 PBU vs. Morristown East…

57 – Austin Rowan (DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.): 8 tackles, 2 TFL vs. Fulton…11 tackles, 3 TFL vs. Notre Dame…5 tackles, 2 TFL vs. Central…6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 blocked kick vs. CPA…12.5 tackles, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks vs. Morristown East

REGION 2-4A STANDINGS – Here’s a look at the 2015 Region 2-4A standings:

DISTRICT    OVERALL

Central                        2-0                   4-0

Fulton                          2-0                   4-1

Anderson County       1-1                   2-3

Carter                          1-1                   2-3

Catholic                      0-2                   2-3

Union County             0-2                   0-5

 

Last week’s results

Fulton 34, Catholic 23

Central 13, Carter 7Fulton 74, Austin-East 21

Anderson County 53, Union County 7

 

Friday’s games

Catholic @ Belfry

South-Doyle @ Carter

Fulton @ Gibbs

Morristown West @ Central

Union County @ Scott

Anderson County @ Clinton

 

WEEK FIVE – Catholic concluded a three-game homestand with its 34-23 loss to Region 2-4A foe Fulton. After spotting Fulton a 14-0 lead, the Irish got on the board late in the first quarter when Chase Cunningham connected with Amari Rodgers on a 31-yard scoring pass. A 25-yard field goal from Jake Poczobut cut the margin to 14- 10, then Cunningham again connected with Rodgers, this a 18-yarder, to give Catholic a 17-14 lead. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Fulton regained the lead less than a minute later. Fulton added another touchdown late in the third quarter to up its margin to 28-17. A third Cunningham-to-Rodgers strike, covering 18 yards, left Catholic trailing, 28-23 late in the contest. After holding Fulton on downs, the Irish had one last opportunity, but Cunningham’s pass on the last play of the game was intercepted and returned 68 yards for a touchdown. Cunningham was 15-of-41 passing for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Chase Kuerschen, playing his first game of the season, grabbed 10 balls for 200 yards. Rodgers had four grabs for 92 yards and three touchdowns. (cont’d) Morgan Ernst led the Irish rushing effort with 56 yards on nine carries. Augie Fortune had 20 tackles for Catholic, including six for-loss .Ernst had 12 stops, while Kuerschen had seven tackles and an interception.

 

WEEK FOUR – Catholic evened its 2015 record at 2-2 as it defeated Notre Dame, 35-17, in the third-annual “Irish Bowl.” Amari Rodgers led the way for the Irish as he totaled 428 all-purpose yards on the evening. A 51-yard scoring pass from Chase Cunningham to Rodgers on Catholic’s first possession gave the Irish an early 7-0 lead. A 93-yard Rodgers punt return for a touchdown upped Catholic’s lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Following a lightning delay that lasted almost two hours, play resumed with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter. A Notre Dame field goal and touchdown left Catholic ahead at halftime, 14-10. Notre Dame took the lead, 17-14, midway through the third quarter, but Catholic regained the advantage later in the period when Cunningham and Rodgers connected on a 74-yard scoring pass. A 93-yard Cunningham-to-Rodgers score upped Catholic’s lead to 28-17 early in the final stanza. Cunningham added a three-yard touchdown run later in the quarter for the final score of the evening. For the night, Rodgers had three receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns, eight carries for 112 yards, and two punt returns for 98 yards and a touchdown. Cunningham was 6-of-10 passing for 269 yards and three touchdowns. Augie Fourtune led the Catholic defense with 22 tackles. Austin Rowan had 11 tackles, including three for-loss, while Morgan Ernst also had 11 tackles and two pass break-ups.

 

WEEK THREE – Catholic saw its record drop to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Region 2-4A with its 28-10 home loss to Central. After spotting Central a 7-0 lead after one quarter, the Irish evened the score late in the first half. Augie Fortune took a Jack Sompayrac pass and rambled 33 yards to even the score. A 31-yard field goal from Jake Poczobut as time expired in the second quarter gave the Irish a 10-7 lead at halftime. The Bobcats scored three touchdowns in the second half to account for the final margin. Sompayrac was 14-of-23 passing for 204 yards on the evening. Amari Rodgers had four receptions for 72 yards, while Cameron Blakely also had four grabs for 45 yards. Fortune had three grabs for 58 yards, with Jeffery Wood adding three receptions for 55 yards. Fortune led the Irish defense with 12 tackles, including one in the backfield. Sompayrac and Morgan Ernst had eight tackles each. Sompayrac also grabbed his second interception of the season.

 

WEEK TWO – Catholic suffered its first loss of the season as it dropped a 38-10 decision to CPA. The contest was played at Vanderbilt University. A 58-yard pass from Jack Sompayrac to Amari Rodgers provided the only offensive scoring for the Irish. Catholic also gained two points when a CPA snap sailed out of the end zone for a safety. Catholic actually outgained CPA in total yardage, 390-382, but could not overcome four turnovers. Jeffery Wood led the Irish rushing attack with 99 yards on 16 carries. Wood also had four receptions for 40 yards. Sompayrac was 7-of-10 passing for 138 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers had 90 yards and a touchdown on three grabs. Jake Kyle also had three receptions for 60 yards. Morgan Ernst led the Irish defense with 11 (cont’d) tackles. Augie Fortune added nine stops, including two in the backfield. Tony Scott had seven tackles, including three for-loss.

 

 

WEEK ONE – Catholic opened its 2015 season with a 49-24 win at Morristown East. After spotting East an early 7-0 lead, the Irish tied the game when Cooper Edenfield connected with Jeffery Wood on a 70-yard scoring toss. The Irish took the lead for good when Edenfield passed 83 yards to DJ Mitchell in the second quarter. Edenfield added a one-yard scoring run late in the first half. An East field goal as the half ended left the score 21-10 at the break. Amari Rodgers dashed 61 yards to paydirt early in the third quarter and, on East’s ensuing possession, Mitchell scooped a fumble and raced 40 yards into the end zone to make the tally 35-10. A pair of East scores trimmed the margin to 35-24 before Rodgers scooted 19 yards untouched to give the Irish a 42-24 advantage. A 23-yard run from Jack Sompayrac ended the days’ scoring. Edenfield was 11-of-17 passing for 361 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Rodgers carried seven times for 107 yards and had five receptions for 115 yards. He also had a 34-yard kickoff return, giving him 256 all-purpose yards for the game. Wood had four receptions for 88 yards, while Mitchell had two grabs for 158 yards. The Irish had 575 yards in total offense on the day. Joe Fluker led the Irish defense with 14 tackles, including a sack. Austin Rowan had 12.5 tackles, including four for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. Augie Fortune also had a dozen stops for the Irish. Mitchell and Nick Lovely had fumble recoveries, while Sompayrac grabbed an interception.

 

MAKE IT QUICK – Catholic’s offense has had six scoring drives lasting less than one minute this season. One of the scoring drives was of the one-play variety.

 

TURNOVER MARGIN – Catholic is minus-12 in turnover margin this season. The Irish have thrown 13 interceptions and lost six fumbles. Opponents have thrown four interceptions and lost three fumbles.

 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Catholic has had two players nominated as PrepXtra Player of the Week this season. Here’s a look

PLAYER                   OPPONENT              STATS

Amari Rodgers            Morristown East         7 att, 107 yds, 2TD; 5 rec, 115 yds

Amari Rodgers            Notre Dame                8 att, 112 yds; 3 rec, 218 yds 3 TD (winner)

 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Catholic has had two players nominated as WVLT/Varsity All Access Player of the Week. Here’s a look:

PLAYER                   OPPONENT              STATS

Amari Rodgers            Morristown East         7 att, 107 yds, 2TD; 5 rec, 115 yds

Amari Rodgers            Notre Dame                8 att, 112 yds; 3 rec, 218 yds, 3 TD

 

 

 

 

100-YARD RUSHERS – Catholic has had two 100-yard rushing effort in 2015. Here’s a look:

PLAYER                   OPPONENT              ATT-YDS-TD

Amari Rodgers            Morristown East         7-107-2

Amari Rodgers            Notre Dame                8-112-0

 

CENTURY MARK – Catholic has had four 100-yard receiving performances this season. Here’s a look:

Player                         Opponent                   Rec-Yds-TD

DJ Mitchell                 Morristown East         2-158-1

Amari Rodgers            Morristown East         5-115-0

Amari Rodgers            Notre Dame                3-218-3

Chase Kuerschen        Fulton                          10-200-0

 

250-YARDS PASSING – Catholic has had three 250-yard passing game this season. Here’s a look:

Player                         Opponent                   Statistics

Cooper Edenfield       Morristown East         11-17-2, 361 yds, 2 TD

Chase Cunningham     Notre Dame                6-10-2, 269 yds, 3 TD

Chase Cunningham     Fulton                          15-41-3, 322 yds, 3 TD

 

DOUBLE-DIGIT TACKLES – Catholic has had ten double-digit tackle efforts this season. Here’s a look:

Player                         Opponent                   Tackles

Joe Fluker                    Morristown East         14

Austin Rowan             Morristown East         12.5

Augie Fortune             Morristown East         12

Morgan Ernst              CPA                            11

Augie Fortune             Central                        12

Augie Fortune             Notre Dame                22

Morgan Ernst              Notre Dame                11

Austin Rowan             Notre Dame                11

Augie Fortune             Fulton                          20

Morgan Ernst              Fulton                          12

 

THE LAST GO ‘ROUND – Catholic’s 2015 roster includes 11 seniors. Included are Cooper Edenfield (QB/DB), Jake Kyle (WR/DB), Jack Staley (WR/DB), Augie Fortune (RB/LB), James Orler (RB/LB), Jones Albritton (WR/LB), Payne McNutt (OL/DL), Will Mullally (OL/DL), Austin Rowan (OL/DL), Logan Punch (OL/DL), and Jake Poczobut (P/K).

 

ON THE STAFF – Serving as assistant coaches for the Irish are: Les Greer (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers), Justin Anderson (Offensive Line), Sam Brown (Running Backs), Drew Franklin (Wide Receivers), Marcus McDonald (Defensive Line), Daniel Hood (Outside Linebackers), and Kris White (Defensive Backs).

 

ON THE RADIO – Tonight’s game is being broadcast on WNML, The Sports Animal (99.1 FM). John Wilkerson handles play-by-play, while former Catholic quarterback Rob Demastus adds commentary.

 

UP NEXT – Catholic travels to region 2-4A foe Anderson County next Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.