Quarterfinal: Aurora Christian 24, Driscoll 17
Aurora Christian took a giant step toward becoming one of the elite programs in the state Saturday at God's Field, the school's new football facility.
The Eagles became the only Aurora school to advance to the state semifinals twice, and they did so Saturday by impressively defeating seven-time defending state champion Driscoll 24-17.
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"I've been very fortunate as a player to be in a lot of big games," said Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe, who did play in several Super Bowls. "But I have to tell you that this is the most exhilarating win that I have felt."
The Eagles have record-setting quarterback Jordan Roberts at the helm of their offense, but their defense came up with a huge effort this time. They almost completely shut down the Highlanders' attack in the first half, and they didn't allow a first down until just before halftime.
Peter Kariotis, Andru Ubert, Braxton Warner and David Anderson took turns in the Eagles' three-man defensive front, which slowed the Driscoll offense to the tune of only 59 first-half yards.
"We had a great week of defensive practice and everyone was flying to the ball," said linebacker Ryan Perik, who had several big hits. "I was amazed at our secondary stepping up and making plays. It was unbelievable, and I'm really proud of how everyone played in this game."
The Aurora Christian offense was steady in the first half as Roberts was 11-for-19 for 113 yards, and Lewis Gaddis had eight carries for 73 yards. The Eagles posted 14 first downs to only two for Driscoll.
Aurora Christian struck pay dirt three times in the second quarter by completely controlling the tempo with drives of 12, nine and 14 plays.
Jake Van Gilse nailed a 34-yard field goal, and Roberts found David Zielke for scoring strikes of 5 and 12 yards. The Eagles led 17-3 at halftime.
"On the first one, I had a hitch and I knew I had to get at least 3 yards deep in the end zone so there would be room between the defender and me," Zielke said. "On the slant (second touchdown), I widened out so there would be room between Matt Morse and me so we could spread the defense out."
Aurora Christian picked it up again in the third quarter with a 12-play drive keyed by Gaddis, who finished with 167 yards on 27 carries. The drive ate up half the period, and Gaddis took it in from the 1, putting the Eagles were in command, 24-3.
"We found something that worked and just kept sticking with it," Gaddis said. "I play for the Lord and I feel like every time I get that ball in my hands I just go as hard as I can."
Driscoll finally got untracked and notched an 11-play, 75-yard drive culminated by an 8-yard scoring pass from Steve Schwade to Austin Baker to close the gap to 24-10 near the end of the third quarter. The Eagles marched right back, but Roberts fumbled at the Driscoll 13 as the fourth quarter began.
State champions don't quit, and the Highlanders drove 82 yards to score with 2:30 left on a 4-yard pass from Schwade to Baker to narrow the Eagles lead to 24-17.
Unfortunately for Aurora Christian, Roberts put the ball on the ground again and Driscoll recovered near midfield. But on the next play, Zielke made a leaping interception, and the huge crowd exhaled in relief.
"I knew the play was flowing to the right and the other two safeties were probably flowing with it," Zielke said. "I knew I had to cut in front of Baker to make that catch."
After one last stand by the Eagles defense, they knew they were headed to the state semifinals against Richmond-Burton next weekend.
"These boys have honored Christ through their play and they have honored Christ in everything they've done," Beebe said. "For me, that's everything. Life is more than football -- it's about honoring Christ. These boys have done that, and that's why I'm so proud of them." Class 4A
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