By JOSEPH W. GEX II/Sports Writer

Bay St. Louis — The Saint Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws found a groove running the football against the Fighting Irish of St. Patrick and did not slow down en route to a 37-0 shutout Division 8-3A victory. The Rock defense also accomplished a feat that no other team has this season shutting out the Irish. Evan Noel also kicked three field goals in the win.

Saint Stanislaus head coach Tate Thigpen commented, “Our defense played very well tonight limiting their chances. I am proud of the shut out. This was a big win for us in division play. This gives us a little momentum going forward in division play. I am happy with the effort but very frustrated with the penalties. That has to be cleaned up. We face Perry Central next week on the road. We have not played well away from home at all this year. We will be meeting to determine how we can change that. We know that Perry Central will be big, athletic, and we’ll coached. We have to go there ready to play our best game of the season.”

The Rocks (4-4, 1-1) moved the ball into Irish territory but settled for an Evan Noel 49-yard field goal with 8:44 left in the first quarter to make the score 3-0.

The Irish (0-8, 0-3) picked up a 38-yard gain on the second play from Jonathan D’Angelo to Andrew Lowery and later a 35-yard completion to Liam Richards down to the Rock seven yard line. But, the Rock defense kept them out of the endzone. 

The teams traded possessions before the Rocks got the ball back at midfield. A heavy dose of Stephen Hutchison on six carries for 52 yards before Max Rhodes scored from two yards out with 10:25 remaining in the first half. Noel converted on the PAT to make the score 10-0.

Two possessions later Adam Oliver intercepted a D’Angelo pass in Rock territory. Brayden McDonald carried the ball for six yards before Sam Grant connected with Adam Oliver for a 56-yard scoring aerial with 2:40 left before halftime. Noel’s PAT made the score 17-0. 

The Rocks attempted an on-sides kick which was recovered by McDonald at the Irish 34 yard line. McDonald carried for gains of 14, 10, and 6 yards before Noel connected on a 32-yard field goal attempt with 47 seconds left in the half to make the score 20-0. 

The Irish opened the second half on offense and put together a 14-play drive that brought the ball to the Rocks’ four yard line; however, they were not able to find the end zone. 

After swapping possessions, the Rocks took over at the Irish 23 yard line. After four carries by Hutchison, Grant dropped back and hit Oliver for a six yard scoring toss with 14 seconds left in the third quarter. Noel’s PAT made the score 27-0.

After holding the Irish to a three-and-out, the Rocks took over near midfield. A heavy dose of Hutchison and Rhodes brought the ball down the four yard line before Hutchison found the end zone on a four-yard carry with 6:36 left to play. Noel’s PAT made the score 34-0. 

On the ensuing possession, D’Angelo was intercepted by Cayden Williams.

The Rocks took over at the Irish 28 yard line. Three plays later, Noel converted a 40-yard field goal with 1:59 left to play to make the final score 37-0.

St. Patrick head coach Nate Encrapera stated, “Depth has been a problem for us all season.  We started the game down a starter due to a family emergency. We did some good things on offense but could not finish drives. Our special teams did not help us either. The onsides kick was big and our punting game did not allow us to pin them back. We have Tylertown next week and we know that we will have to manage space very well.”

The Rocks were led by Hutchison with 20 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. Oliver added five receptions for 80 yards and two scores. On defense the Rocks were paced by Finn Williford and Brayden McDonald with 8 tackles each.

Next week the Rocks travel to Perry Central for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Bulldogs fell 21-20 to West Marion last night. St. Patrick travels to Tylertown who fell to Poplarville 43-37.