Catholic High holds off a relentless North Little Rock
“Grit and Grind” was the phrase Coach Cochran used to define Friday night’s win against NLR.
Catholic made multiple defensive stands late in the fourth quarter to hold off a charging NLR. The Rockets survived to win 27 – 17. Catholic will now head into conference play with a perfect 3 – 0 record.
Catholic’s offense got off to a blistering start. Senior wide receiver Braxton Burks scored twice, off two receptions from England. He went over eighty yards for the second touchdown, the longest offensive touchdown the Rockets have recorded this year. England also threw to junior Sam Boozer for a two-point conversion. To end the quarter, England connected with senior Paul Plafcan for another touchdown.
The Rockets started the second quarter with a resounding 21 – 0 lead, but NLR would begin chipping away at it. NLR scored on their first drive and added two points to make it 21 – 8. Then, with under a minute left in the second quarter, NLR punched the ball out of England’s hands and returned it for a touchdown. The two teams went back to their locker rooms with the Rockets up 21 – 15.
When Catholic got the ball for the second time in the third quarter, they returned to the strong run play of Noel Lewis, a safe and sure strategy. Noel Lewis rumbled for yards down the field, and England opened it up in the air for a remarkable third touchdown pass to Braxton Burks. NLR put together a drive of their own, but the tough Rocket defense snuffed it out inside their ten-yard line.
The Rockets looked to protect their 27 – 15 lead in the fourth quarter by relying on their defense. Their defense forced a big three-and-out stop to begin the quarter, but a mishandled snap by the Rockets put their lead in jeopardy. Rocket punter Boyd Barnett wisely kicked out for a safety after the errant snap, and the score moved to 27 – 17. But the defense, led by junior defensive back Walter Menefee, stayed tough. Menefee ultimately sealed the win for the Rockets with a forced fumble.
Braxton Burks’s offensive production has increased gradually every game, coming to a high point on Friday. He gives credit to his teammates for this three-touchdown night. “Thanks to my teammates pushing me to my best, my confidence has gotten better every week, as has our passing game,” said Burks.
Walter Menefee was the defensive player of the game for his excellent coverage and the big plays he made in the final minutes. Menefee believes he can carry his performance into conference play. “Making plays in my first varsity game at War Memorial was a memory I will never forget.” He knows the Rockets can keep the momentum going. “The team is confident we can beat El Dorado next week,” said Menefee.
The Rockets will now carry their 3 – 0 record into conference play against El Dorado at War Memorial on Friday, September 26. The weather forecast calls for showers, but the Rockets will be ready for anything, rain or shine.
