From the second the 2024 season started Owensboro Catholic football had one goal – return to the 2A state championship. With the pain of last year’s loss still in their minds, the Aces took care of Somerset last night 27-14, to book their ticket to the finals in a matchup against powerhouse Beechwood.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid,” Owensboro Catholic QB Brady Atwell said. “Ever since last year, at the end of that championship game it was really hard. But we got to work and it’s a testament of what is going on here.”
Battling the cold and starting with the ball, Atwell methodically marched his offense down the field before finding Waryn Ebelhar for a 40-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
Looking to respond, Somerset established the run early, repeatedly handing it off to Kris Hughes – to immediate success. The Briar Jumpers converted on fourth and one at midfield, but ended up turning it over on downs at the Aces 35.
Atwell and the offense found themselves in scoring range a few plays later, but back-to-back penalties on third down derailed the promising drive – before missing the field goal attempt. With the ball at their own 20, Somerset drove 80 yards on almost 20 plays – converting on multiple fourth down attempts, including a fake punt – before tying the game on an eight-yard touchdown run.
With 1:17 left in the first half, Atwell and the Aces showcased why their offense is one of the best in the state. Picking up multiple first downs on chunk plays, Atwell found Dereon Crowe wide open in the back right corner of the endzone for a 14-7 lead.
At halftime, Owensboro head coach Jason Morris adjusted his defensive schemes, shutting down the Briar Jumpers for most of the second half.
“It was about getting off the field and we were having a hard time with doing that in the second quarter,” Morris said. “That’s a compliment to them and Somerset came in here with a good game plan. We self-destructed in the second quarter to keep the score close… We played a really good third quarter and I am happy with how they made the adjustments we needed to make.”
Forcing a three and out to force the second half, the Aces took a 21-7 lead on their ensuing drive after Atwell broke a tackle on his two-yard touchdown run.
Forcing a second straight punt, the Aces offense iced the game after Atwell connected with Crowe for his second touchdown of the night – catching a short pass in the middle of the field and taking it the house for 48 yards and a 27-7 lead.
“His versatility means so much to the team,” Morris said. “We can put him in the backfield to get those tough yards. He is explosive and can score at any time which he does a lot. As a receiver, when the ball is in his hands, he is special.”
In the fourth quarter, the Briar Jumpers offense took advantage of multiple Aces miscues including a personal foul penalty on fourth down – culminating in a Hughes three-yard touchdown run. Owensboro Catholic recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to knock off their newfound rivals.
Despite losing running back Miles Edge early in the game and still without star linebacker Vince Carrico, the Aces thrived with their next man up mentality.
“Everybody was playing with so much heart and I am so proud of these boys and how they played,” Morris said. “It was just an entire team effort.”
Next Friday, the Aces will head back to Kroger Field for another shot at the 2A title and sitting in their way is 13-1 Beechwood. Winner of 17 state titles, the Tigers are battle tested and know how to win.
“We need to be us. Play Owensboro Catholic football,” Atwell said. “Do our thing week in and week out and we are going to go Kroger Field and give it one hell of a shot. At the end of the day I think we will come out on top.”
