Atlanta
Catholic School Football Teams Find Sweet Victory
By MICHAEL ALEXANDER, Staff Photographer | Published September 28, 2006
As the midway point of the high school football season approaches, Roswell’s Blessed Trinity High School pushed its record to 3-0 with a 37-18 victory over South Atlanta Sept. 22. Blessed Trinity pounded out 343 rushing yards, combined with 63 passing yards. Sophomore running back Sam Burkhalter led the team in rushing with 109 yards and also ran for three touchdowns. They face undefeated opponent Chamblee High School on Friday at North DeKalb Stadium.
Normally three St. Pius X High School fumbles and an interception might spell defeat against Tucker High School, but Pius countered with tenacious defense to end Tucker’s three-game winning streak and stretched its record to 4-0 in a 10-7 win. St. Pius senior running back Tyler Fish ran for 129 of Pius’ 257 rushing yards. Up next for Pius is Washington High School.
In the absence of suspended head coach Alan Chadwick, assistant coach Jim Showfety helped coach Marist School’s team past Cedar Grove 32-15. Marist (3-1) takes on winless North Springs High School Friday night.
Senior running back Luis Domenge scored three touchdowns as Pinecrest Academy (3-1) traveled to Heritage and came away with a 45-12 victory. Pinecrest returns home to play Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School Friday.
Holy Spirit Preparatory School (1-2) is idle until they go up against Westminster Christian School Oct. 6.
With no disrespect to the other schools’ wins, last week’s Catholic school victory of the night goes to the Our Lady of Mercy High School team from Fairburn. First-year head coach Bryan Pinabell, his staff and the team were victorious in their home opener against Towns County High School 12-8. It was Mercy’s first win since Oct. 29, 2004. Mercy rushed for 249 yards while holding Towns County to 57 yards rushing and 76 yards passing. Mercy only committed one turnover the entire game. At the close of practice the day before the game, Pinabell emphasized to his team the importance of minimizing mental mistakes and starting a new streak. They obviously heard his message loud and clear. Mercy (1-2) will attempt to extend the streak when the team faces Mt. Zion High School Friday.