The Owensboro Catholic football team started the season on a high note and hasn’t looked back en route to a 4-0 record, with three dominant wins and a nailbiting victory over a crosstown rival. Leading the charge for the Aces have been junior quarterback Brady Atwell and senior receiver/defensive back Tutt Carrico.
Catholic has no shortage of playmakers, but Atwell and Carrico have led the charge as the Aces have outscored their opponents 168-47 so far this season.
Atwell is a versatile quarterback who has proven so far this season that he can do it all. He has racked up about 1,162 passing yards with 16 touchdown passes and a single interception. Atwell’s combination of speed and strength from his 6’3, 230-lb. frame also allows him to efficiently rush through defenses and convert on fourth downs where the team needs only a few yards. He’s added 174 rushing yards — a team-high — and has six touchdowns on the ground.
Atwell often credits his teammates for his success.
“I got guys all over the field that can make the play,” he said. “And my offensive line really steps up for sure. I’m really proud of the way they handle themselves, but also protect me in the big moments too. I’m just really blessed to be in a situation with all these guys around me to have my back.”
Catholic head coach Jason Morris considers Atwell the best quarterback in the state.
“Atwell’s the real deal,” he said. “In my opinion, Atwell is the best quarterback in our state. I’m not saying that because I’m biased, I’m saying that as a guy who’s coached quarterbacks for over 20 years now and played the position myself. He’s 6’3 and 230 pounds and can make every throw on the field. He runs a legit 4.7 40 yd. dash with power. It blows my mind that especially the small D1 schools have not offered him yet. What he is a great kid, an even better football player, and a leader.”
After last week’s matchup between the Aces and Red Devils ended with Atwell scoring the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds, Owensboro head coach Jay Fallin praised Atwell and the rest of the Catholic team.
“Atwell’s really good and he’s got a great group of receivers in Tutt, (Noah) Rhinerson, (Waryn) Ebelhar, and (Duece) Sims,” he said. “Then you combine that with the fact that you’ve got a variety of guys who do a great job of coming out of the backfield in Vince and (Elijah) Blair. It’s just a really difficult thing to deal with when Atwell’s got an arm that can put it on any of them. It’s hard to get him too, because he just gets it out of his hands really fast.”
Carrico has made big impacts on both sides of the ball. He leads the team with 24 catches for 470 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Carrico’s combination of strength, speed, and agility allow him to pick up big gains after the catch. Defensively, Carrico has a pair of interceptions to go along with a fumble recovery. He’s also second on the team with 36 tackles (nine solo).
Carrico said the mentality that he brings to the team is one of hard work, intensity, and passion.
“I think I just bring the fire,” he said. “I think that me and my brother feed off of each other, the other players feed off us and the team feeds off the faith and the community we’ve got behind us.”
Catholic will look to keep their hot streak alive tonight when they take on Henderson County.
