O’Dea Defense Shines in Statement 20-0 Shutout of Eastside Catholic

9/27/2024

(Sammamish, WA) In a battle of 3A powerhouses, the defense of the Fighting Irish allowed only 117 yards in a 20-0 shutout victory over Eastside Catholic.

The victory for O’Dea marks the 23^rd victory in program history against Eastside Catholic in the 38^th installment of the rivalry.

The first score came on Eastside Catholic’s second punt of the day, O’Dea’s Sage Salopek weaved through the Eastside Catholic coverage team for a 39 yard return touchdown.

The turning point of the game came early in the second quarter. Carson McKelheer intercepted O’Dea quarterback Hutton Leverett to set up Eastside Catholic at the O’Dea 16.

After going three and out, Eastside Catholic kicker Connor Brandt buried a 38-yard field goal, but at the end of the play Brandt’s was run into by an Irish defender. Eastside Catholic took the points off the board with hopes to tie the game.

After advancing to the O’Dea one yard line, the Crusaders elected to go for it on fourth and goal. The Crusaders had quarterback Isaac Corey attempt a sneak, but the Fighting Irish defense snuffed any chance for Corey to sniff the end zone.

The teams went into the locker room with Salopek’s touchdown the only score of the half. Eastside Catholic’s offense was limited to 21 net yards at halftime.

O’Dea’s second drive of the second half began on the Eastside Catholic 41 after a Crusader punt deep in their own territory. O’Dea quarterback Hutton Leverett capped the drive with a quarterback sneak to put the Irish up 14-0.

Irish kicker Owen Livingston would tack on two field goals in the 4^th quarter from 30 and 41 yards out to cement the Irish lead for good.

O’Dea’s defense held Eastside Catholic quarterbacks Isaac Corey and Luca Villasenor for a combined 42 yards and two interceptions while tailback Jeremiah Burroughs accounted for 14 carries for 51 yards on the ground.

Our Elisportsnetwork.com MVP was O’Dea running back Uriah Stringfield who had 23 carries for 86 yards.

Eastside Catholic will face Ballard next Thursday while O’Dea will play Bishop Blanchet next Friday.

The win for O’Dea marks the 385th win in the 40 year coaching career of Monte Kohler, nine wins away from tying legendary Tumwater head coach Sid Otton for most wins all time.

To catch the full replay of the game, click the link here Full Game (Subscription Required),

Here is our ESN Postgame Show followed by highlights of the game.

ESN Postgame Show