By Bud Milroy
Sports Correspondent
When two rivals meet up, records tend to mean nothing.
That scenario played out Friday night in Somers, as Catholic Central pulled away for a 42-12 win over Shoreland Lutheran.
CCHS improved to 2-3 overall, 2-1 in the Metro Classic Conference, while Shoreland dropped to 0-5 and 0-4.
“Give Shoreland credit. They played a very tough game with a lot of energy,” Aldrich said. “Our kids also gave a good effort. There were execution issues at times, but I think we played well.”
Shoreland drew first blood in the contest, but the lead was short-lived. The Hilltoppers needed just four miutes to go ahead, as Grant Alderman rushed in from six yards out. Spencer Wilker booted the extra point to give CCHS a 7-6 lead.
The passing combination of Carson Meinholz and Tyler Burzawa connected for their fourth touchdown over the last two games, this time for 40 yards early in the second quarter. Wilker was again good on the extra point to make the score 14-6.
Kyle Kresken scored to extend the CCHS lead to 21-6, but a Shoreland score with six seconds before the half put the Hilltoppers ahead by just nine going into the second half.
Kresken promptly added his second touchdown of the game on a six-yard run to open the second half, and halftime adjustments by Aldrich had the Pacers in check.
Two early fourth-quarter scores – a Meinholz to Tegan Miles pass play from 36 yards out and Meinholz’s 36-yard run – sealed the game for Catholic Central.
“Our lines on both sides of the ball played especially well in the second half,” said Aldrich. “It was nice to actually be able to wear an opponent down.
“I think our line as improved a lot,” he added. “I think they’re really starting to get it, but we’ll find out for sure this Friday against St. Catherine’s.”
Racine St. Catherine’s comes into town Friday night at 7 p.m. for Catholic Central’s homecoming. The Hilltoppers will face another big challenge in Angels’ back Sean Madden (6-0, 205 pounds).
“Madden is the real deal,” Aldrich said. “Good size, speed and athleticism. He understands the game real well.”
The Angels enter the game with a perfect 4-0 record, 3-0 in the MCC.
“It’s homecoming week and our kids need to work on keeping their focus,” Aldrich said. “We want them to embrace the whole homecoming experience. One of the ways they can do that is to focus on their responsibility to their teammates and focus on the task at hand, a strong St. Catherine’s team.”
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