skip navigation

Notre Dame takes advantage of Catholic Memorial mistakes for Division 3 title

11/20/2015, 3:00pm CST
By Travis Wilson

Notre Dame hung around and eventually took advantage of mistakes to score a surprising 19-17 win over Catholic Memorial, despite being dominated in many areas of the stat sheet.

Turnovers were a significant factor in the game, as Catholic Memorial senior quarterback Alex Bray threw four interceptions, including three in the second half as the Crusaders tried to put the game away.

It appeared Catholic Memorial was on its way to breaking the game open in the first half, going up 10-0 late in the first quarter after Eric Fridl was good on a 32-yard field goal. However, Notre Dame battled back, scoring 10 quick points in the second quarter to tie it up at halftime. 

Catholic Memorial marched down for a touchdown on its first drive, going up 17-10. Another promising third quarter drive ended with a turnover on downs, setting the stage for a wild fourth period. 

With Catholic Memorial driving into Notre Dame territory, Ryan O'Connell picked off a Bray pass, though the Tritons were unable to make a scoring push. Catholic Memorial punted on its next possession, as Bray hit a beauty that was downed inside the 1-yard line. Two plays later, Notre Dame coughed it up, with Catholic Memorial recovering at the 3. After a loss of 3 yards on first down, Bray rolled right but was picked off again, this time in the end zone.

Notre Dame quarterback Robert Petitjean went to work quickly, hitting on a couple big passing plays, including a 32-yard scoring strike to Jonathan Santaga to put the Tritons up 19-13.

Another interception, this time by defensive lineman Alex Malcore, ended the next Catholic Memorial drive, though the Crusaders would get one more chance with 1:31 remaining in the game. Getting just past midfield, Catholic Memorial saw its season end with three consecutive incompletions, as Notre Dame over and kneeled out the game for a 19-17 win.

Catholic Memorial had a significant advantage in total yards, 418-273, but the turnovers proved their undoing.

For the latest and most up to date football news and recruiting information, follow Travis on Twitter @travisWSN. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Travis at travis(at)wissports.net.

Tag(s): News Archive  News  Travis Wilson  Football Playoffs