The MUS varsity football team fell to archrival Christian Brothers last Friday night, 35-17, at Tom Nix Stadium as they sought to even their overall record and move closer to a playoff berth. Although MUS moved the ball through the air for much of the game, the stout CBHS running attack eventually wore down the Owl defensive front.
MUS (3-5, 1-3) looked very prepared and ready from the start as Buck Towner recovered a Chris-Walker fumble at the CBHS 39-yard line just minutes into the game.
With the ball, the Owls moved deep into CBHS territory after a 22-yard completion from Michael Park to Stephen Bowie. Then Park sneaked in from one yard out to give the Owls the early advantage. Zach Scott’s PAT made the score 7-0 with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter.
However, CBHS (6-2, 3-1) would respond as freshman RB Eric Watson capped off an eleven play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard dive of his own. Kevit Ritt’s PAT was good to even the score at 7.
After both teams had faltered on their next few drives, CBHS gained the lead when QB John Michael Skinner hit WR Drew Martinez on a 41-yard connection to cap the 3-play, 48-yard drive that began following an MUS interception, one of three thrown by Owl quarterbacks. Ritt’s PAT gave the Brothers a 14-7 lead with just 1:11 remaining in the first half.
MUS would respond heading into halftime following an impressive drive.
Taking over at their own 30 with 1:02 remaining in the half, Park got some time and hit 4 of 7 passes, moving the Owls as far as the CBHS 11-yard line. However, the drive stalled, and MUS settled for a Scott 33-yard field goal, making the score 14-10 at the break.
But that was as close as MUS would get on this night. Although they played hard, the defense gave up several big plays that hurt them as they had difficulty containing the trio of Skinner, Martinez, and Watson.
First, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Skinner to Martinez early in the third quarter increased the Wave lead to 21-10 just minutes in.
The Owls did respond late in the third as they put together a 12-play, 75-yard drive that amassed 5:26. Walt Wepfer culminated the possession with a 12-yard run for the score, and the Scott extra-point cut the lead to 21-17.
Yet MUS could not regain the lead despite having the ball twice near midfield down by four.
A 72-yard scoring run from Skinner and a 16-yard touchdown run from Watson in the fourth quarter salted away the Purple-Wave win.
With the loss, the Owls now stand at 3-5, needing to win both of their remaining games (Kingsbury and Briarcrest) to advance to the state playoffs.
Following Fall Break, the Owls will look to get one win closer to a playoff berth as they take on the Falcons for Homecoming. Kickoff for the October 20 tilt is set for 7:00 p.m.