CCHS picks up easy win on homecoming
By Bud Milroy
Sports correspondent
Saturday afternoon didn’t do much for Catholic Central in terms of conference standings or officially putting the Hilltoppers in the playoffs.
But it was a huge shot in the arm for the team’s confidence, as Catholic Central routed Midwest Classic Conference-North Division leader University School of Milwaukee 55-34.
CCHS improved to 4-3 overall, while USM dropped to 4-3. Catholic Central needs to win one of its two remaining games to secure a playoff berth, while a sweep of the games may get them a share of the conference title.
CCHS head coach Tom Aldrich was admittedly a little surprised by his team’s dominant performance. The score is slightly deceiving, as USM scored 14 points in the final minutes against the Catholic Central reserves.
“No, I didn’t see this coming, but I thought it was possible if we played well,” Aldrich said. “It was a good performance. We came out ready to play today, which is never a sure thing with all the distractions of homecoming.”
USM started off the game with an onside kick that it recovered at its own 43-yard line. But the battle of field position resulted first in a Wildcats’ punt, then a CCHS punt – then another punt from both squads as each went three and out on the first four possessions of the game.
CCHS got going after USM’s second punt, starting the drive at midfield. Grant Alderman finished off the drive with a six-yard touchdown run, and T.J. Walkington’s extra point made it 7-0.
USM looked to be close to tying the score with quarterback Tommy Pennington calling his own number, but he was stripped of the ball on the ’Topper one-yard line, with the Hilltoppers recovering.
“That defensive stop was huge for us and a big turning point in the game, especially after the drive that followed,” Aldrich said.
What followed was another touchdown, Wadsworth finishing the drive by shaking off and carrying would-be tacklers into the end zone.
USM finally got on the board with the next drive, but the Wildcats would never get even. With the score 14-7, CCHS quarterback Carson Meinholz broke free for a 70-yard touchdown.
USM scored again, but Catholic Central responded with its fourth touchdown – this time by Alderman – and then added a fifth (this time by Wadsworth) right before the half to give CCHS a 35-14 lead.
Meinholz and Wadsworth each added third-quarter touchdown runs to make the score 49-14 with five to play in the quarter. Meinholz’s third touchdown of the game came early in the fourth quarter. Aldrich then called off his troops and turned the balance of the game over to the reserves.
“I thought our defense played well tonight, though the score and their statistics might not reflect it,” Aldrich said. “There was a score against our special teams and a couple against our JV team, so I’m not disappointed in the results or the effort. We’re not there yet, but we’re making strides.”
Aldrich was also pleased with the play of Wadsworth and Meinholz.
“Rayce is really coming into his own,” Aldrich said. “We knew it was in there and it’s nice to see it come out.
“Carson is getting more comfortable with the game and letting it come to him,” Aldrich added. “He is becoming another real weapon for our opponents to have to worry about.”
Defensively, Michael Pinnow had seven tackles – including one for a loss – while Scott Vrzan and Wadsworth added five tackles each. Zach Mehring had a fumble recovery and an interception.
The Hilltoppers return to conference action this Friday when they host Shoreland Lutheran at 7 p.m.
“This is a huge rivalry game and I’m sure both teams will come ready to play,” Aldrich said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a win, but it won’t be an easy task.”
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