A big-time matchup in the Hoosier State played out on Friday Night, as the Brebeuf Jesuit Braves traveled to take on the host Roncalli Royals. 

The skill, talent, and athleticism from each team was quite evident from the opening kickoff, as each team struggled to get much going on offense throughout the majority of the first half.  Each team had standout performances defensively in the first half.  For the Royals, Sr. DB Gabe Horn had an Interception.  For the Braves, Sr. DE Jayden Childers made a big play, forcing and recovering a Roncalli fumble.  Also for Brebeuf, DB Max Walters snuffed out a Royals possession with an Interception.

The Braves took a 3-0 lead on a 40-yard FG by PK Ryan Kersteff with just over 4:00 remaining in the first half of play.  Roncalli’s final possession of the first half brought the initial TD of the game, as Sr. QB Aidan Leffler capped a 16-play, 84-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run.  The Royals took a 7-3 lead into the locker room.

There were multiple highlight-reel-type catches on/near the sidelines in this one, as Sr. ATH Caden Gore (for Roncalli) and Sr. ATH Anthony Annee (for Brebeuf) each displayed high-level athleticism, ball skills, and footwork throughout the night.  Annee proved himself to be one of the top WR/ATH in Indiana this season.

The second half was defined by the Offensive Line play of the Royals, as Roncalli leaned heavily on the ground game to eventually wear down the Braves’ Defense.  

Trevor Lauck, a highly-recruited OL for Roncalli, made a big play on the D-Line for the Royals, as he was able to put pressure on the Brebeuf QB, which led to an interception by Jr. DB/S Andrew Baugh.

Leffler rushed for 3 TD’s on the night, and Jr. TB Luke Hansen also had some tough, physical runs between the tackles.  

The Royals emerged from this one with an impressive victory, 28-10, further strengthening their hold on the # 1 ranking in the Class 4A Polls.  The Braves, behind a strong Defense, and the ability/skill of Annee and Walters on offense, will undoubtedly remain a strong contender in Class 3A throughout the 2021 season.