Ithaca vs. St. Charles Recap

The St. Charles Bulldogs defeated the Ithaca Yellowjackets in a thrilling instant classic that was even more exciting than imagined.

Both teams started the games with a vigor. St. Charles drove down the field with a dominating run game. It wasn’t long before they got on the board first when QB Brian Halas’ pass found sophomore end Travis Crane, who trucked his way into the end zone.

Both squads did their best to jump-start their offenses. Tough defenses kept the ball out of the end zone. The Bulldogs’ Matt Schalow led the way with two first-half interceptions, while Ithaca’s star linebacker Conrad Bovee punished the St. Charles runningbacks.

The Yellowjackets did eventually get on the board, though. QB Jared Cline directed a long drive down the field, and Brandon Walker rushed into the end zone. Both teams were able to convert on their two-point conversion attempts, and the score was tied at 8-8.

Still before half-time, the Bulldogs wrested back momentum. With their signature ground attack working on all cylinders, run after run led to first and goal from the 9 yard line for the ‘Dawgs. Ithaca wasn’t about to let up, though; their defense stiffened and held St. Charles to a 3rd and 10 situation. Unfortunately for them, though, junior runningback Marshall Davenport found room to run around the left corner and snuck into the end zone. Travis Crane kicked the extra point and the Bulldogs went into halftime with a slight advantage, 15-8.

In the second half, both teams failed to capatalize on opportunities to gain an edge over their opponent. Ithaca’s effective passing game seemed to stall out whenever the Yellowjackets reached St. Charles territory.

St. Charles first seemed to have fortune on their side inside the Ithaca 20 yard line, but had it taken away just as fast. On fourth and 1, Halas appeared to have attained the yardage he needed, but an Ithaca defender hit him hard and the ball was fumbled out of his hands, off of a yellow helmet, and, luckily, right into the hands of another Bulldog player. Just when the stars looked to be aligned for the home team, though, a lost fumble ruined all the work they had invested in the drive.

By the time the fourth quarter arrived, Ithaca was under pressure; they would have to score a touchdown with less than 3:00 left on the game clock, or lose.

If you know anything about Yellowjacket football, you know they were up to the challenge.

Play by play, Jared Cline led his team on an epic 4th quarter drive. Pass after pass was completed with pinpoint accuracy. With about one minute remaining, Ithaca had covered over 50 yards and only 10 more stood between them and a chance at victory.

With all momentum drained from them, St. Charles regained their intensity just in time to stifle the Yellowjackets on three consecutive plays. This led to the defining moment of the game, and perhaps even the season for both squads.

With 0:54 showing on the game clock, Ithaca had 4th and goal from the St. Charles 7 yard line. Fans from both stands were cheering fanatically, desperate for their team to make the clutch play to win their biggest game of the year.

With intense anticipation, the ball was snapped. Cline rolled out with a host of Bulldog linemen on his tail, but found room to release the ball; Matt Schalow intercepted the ball and, in a victory lap of sorts, returned it 100 yards for 6 points. The Bulldog faithful screamed elatedly – the game was over.

Or so it seemed.

Penalties by both squads led to the down being replayed. The fortuitous shift of momentum gave the Yellowjackets a second hope while the St. Charles fans were filled with nervousness once again.

Once again, Cline sprinted out towards his sideline, ready to rocket the ball at his target at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t get the chance. Pressure by the Bulldogs’ blitzers forced the Ithaca quarterback too throw too early, and the ball slipped from his hand and hit the ground. St. Charles recovered the fumble and took the driver’s seat in the race for the Tri-Valley West championship.

The Bulldogs will not get a break; their killer 4 game schedule to start the season continues against a Merrill Vandal team that is on the upswing. Ithaca will have an easier task against the young St. Louis Sharks.

Players of the Game
St. Charles
RB/DB - Marshall Davenport
Davenport accounted for a large chunk of the Bulldog rushing yards, but his greatest contribution was the multiple 20+ yard kick and punt returns that gave the Bulldogs strong field position

Ithaca
QB - Jared Cline
The Yellowjacket signal-caller passed effectively throughout the game and kept his composure to nearly lead Ithaca to an exciting comeback at the end of the game.



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