It was a matchup that lived up to its billing as the high school football game of the year in Mercer County.
High School South, undefeated and coming off three impressive wins to start the season, pulled off a dramatic comeback forth-quarter victory to defeat Notre Dame 10-9 at the Irish’s home field on September 30.
It was the first home loss for Notre Dame since 2007, when coincidentally, the Pirates defeated the team 34-21. It was also the first South win against Notre Dame since a 44-23 victory in 2008.
The game was a tight contest in which Notre Dame took a 9-0 lead on the strength of a 36-yard field goal and a five-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
A missed extra point on the touchdown wound up playing a pivotal role in the end result of the game — won by the margin of that missed point.
The contest was a tale of two halves. The Irish’s defense held the Pirates to only 50 yards on 24 plays. But in the second half, South’s offense began to move, while the defense kept Notre Dame out of the end zone.
South’s comeback started with a 20-yard field goal by Pat Boyle to narrow the score to 9-3 with 4:03 left in the third. South Coach Todd Smith decided to kick the field goal rather than go for the touchdown on fourth and goal at the Notre Dame 4-yard line.
Then in the fourth quarter, star running back Brian Schoenauer took a handoff down the left sideline from 19 yards out for the game-winning touchdown. The point after was good by Boyle with 5:33 left.
The score capped a 13-play, 92-yard drive that lasted 4:55 and included a key fourth-and-1 conversion by Chris Jones.
Schoenauer said his score was more important than an interception he made at the end of the game while playing defense. “The touchdown was bigger to me because we needed points.”
Not that the defensive play wasn’t important as well.
“We were really happy with the way our defense played and they gave our offense a shot to get us back into the game,” Schoenauer added. “Coach was confident that we could put points on the board and come back. And he has the confidence that our defense could stop them.”
Smith said adjustments during the half were key to the win. “We just came in at halftime and reminded the kids to finish off the block.”
“We wanted the guys up front to come off the ball stronger and be more physical. We tried a little different schemes that seemed to work a little more and we ended up pushing them around in the second half.”
Smith also complimented the defensive play of quarterback Chris Evans who primarily covered the Irish’s top receiver while playing defense. “When Schoenauer’s not on the field he’s definitely the best athlete on the field. Those two are just outstanding. Our secondary played so well today. I’m so proud of those kids.”
Tom Efstathios had two grabs for 50 yards, and Evans completed six of nine passes for 76 yards. Schoenauer finished with 29 carries for 116 yards.
Coming into the game Schoenauer was second among the county’s running backs with six touchdowns and 490 yards. Evans’ six touchdown throws were number two in the county.
“To be 4-0 is just huge,” said Schoenauer. “I can’t even explain it. All I can say is that it’s huge for our program.”
South’s next game was expected to be played after the News went to press at home on Thursday, October 6, against Nottingham.
The following week South will play at crosstown rival High School North on Saturday, October 15, at 2 p.m.
