Quarterfinals for KCHS Irish; rout Father Ryan
KNOXVILLE — Led by a strong rushing attack that averaged slightly more than 8 yards per carry, Knoxville Catholic has avoided a losing season, now 6-5, while advancing to the Division II-AAA state quarterfinals.
As a No. 4 East seed hosting Father Ryan (a No. 5 seed, 4-7) in Blaine Stadium Friday night, Nov. 3, the Irish pulled away late for a 37-14 victory in an opening round state playoff game behind senior running back Grayson Goodale’s 186 yards on just 21 carries and four touchdowns. As a team, Catholic rushed 40 times for 328 yards.
Senior Braylon Harmon added 94 yards on 13 carries, highlighted by his 40-yard scoring run at the 5:31 mark of the third quarter, increasing the KCHS lead to 30-14.
A Father Ryan punt, blocked through the visitors’ end zone, tackled on a safety in the third quarter. Goodale’s final TD scamper, for 3 yards, put the game on ice and ended the night’s scoring with 6:55 to play.
Catholic junior quarterback Jayden Neal completed 12-of-17 passes for 69 yards (one interception), giving KCHS a 397-245 edge in total yards.
Jaylon Harmon returned two punts for an average of 20.5 yards.
Tyreek King rushed twice for 46 yards, while Braylon Harmon caught six passes for 34 yards.
The Irish won despite having 12 penalties for 102 yards.
Defensively, Bryson Gardner led in total tackles with eight, seven unassisted, including one sack. Goodale added seven total stops, five unassisted. Connor Ruth had five total tackles, four unassisted, while Jacob Rice and Aron Mase recovered fumbles.
The task Friday, Nov. 10, will be much tougher, as KCHS will travel to Shelby County to face powerhouse No. 1 West Region seed Memphis University School (9-1). Opening kickoff is 7 p.m., EST, 6 p.m. CST.
