An early-season game of importance in the 2021 SIAC race took place at Castle on Friday Night.  A defensive battle/field position-type of game yielded a scoreless 1st Quarter of play.  The defensive struggle continued into the 2nd Quarter, as well.  The only Touchdown of the First Half was a 36-yard fumble return by Knights’ Safety Evan Reff.  Forcing the fumble was Castle LB Daviontae Hughes, when Hughes applied a big hit to the Mater Dei receiver, knocking the ball free.  

The Wildcats attempted to get back into the game, driving nearly the length of the field.  Castle LB Adam Watson snuffed out the Mater Dei possession by intercepting the Mater Dei pass on what was the 12th play of the drive for the ‘Cats. 

On the first play of the Second Half, Castle LB John Purdy forced a MD fumble, which the Knights recovered deep in Mater Dei territory.  The Knights were able to capitalize on the turnover with an 11-yard TD run by QB Cameron Tilly.  The Knights held a 14-0 after three quarters of play. 

While Castle was able to hold the Wildcats scoreless through three quarters of play, the MD offense came to life in the 4th Quarter, scoring 2 touchdowns (2-yard run by QB Mason Wunderlich; 4-yard run by TB Bryce Humphrey) to tie the game at 14 with under 4:00 remaining in the 4th Quarter.

Each team was able to get a stop to end regulation, and we headed to Overtime at Castle.  The Wildcats had the ball first in OT, and took its first lead of the game on a 4-yard TD run by Humphrey.  The PAT was good, and the ‘Cats had a 21-14 lead, as the Knights attempted to match the MD touchdown with its possession in the first OT period.  The Wildcats Defense was able to get a huge stop, giving Mater Dei a big SIAC victory.