Coming off a disappointing loss last Friday night, Owensboro Catholic looks to rebound this week against an experienced Union County team.
The Aces fell to Daviess County 32-13 in their home opener at Steele Stadium. Owensboro Catholic came out ready to play, but turnovers and cramping in the second half would contribute heavily to the final score.
It was the defense that led the way for the Aces in the first half, with Reid Clark and Elijah Blair each getting interceptions before halftime.
On the offensive side of the ball, Brady Atwell found Clark in the back of the endzone for a beautiful touchdown pass late in the first quarter. Tutt Carrico was also able to find the endzone later in the third quarter, running it in for a five-yard touchdown.
After that, the Aces struggled in the second half. They had multiple turnovers that led to Daviess County scores, and lost Atwell for a portion of the game due to cramping. Head coach Jason Morris kept this in mind when asked about his biggest focus in practice this week.
“Our focus has been on getting healthy and finishing,” Morris said.
The Aces will be facing the Union County Braves, who have won their first two games a combined 70-6.
“Union County returns lots of talent and experience from a 3A final four team last season. They have two very good running backs, and a great leader at quarterback,” says Morris.
The previously mentioned players would be senior quarterback Sheffer Cannon and senior running backs Kanye Pollard and Kristopher Hughes. Morris specifically touched on Hughes and the impact he can have on this game.
“Number 23 (Hughes) is as electric of an athlete as anybody in Western Kentucky,” Morris said. “We have to know where he is aligned at all times.”
When asked about the keys to winning this Friday, Morris had some expectations for his offense.
“We have to execute every time we move the ball into scoring position and convert third/fourth and short,” said Morris.
The Aces head coach is very confident in his team going into this matchup, although he knows it’s not going to be an easy one.
“We are hoping to get back in the win column and bring our record to 2-1,” Morris said. “I really like and trust my team to bounce back this week in what will be a tough battle at Union County.”
The Aces will travel to Union County on Friday night to take on the Braves at 7 p.m.
