Walsh Jesuit rings the bell with 41-14 win over St. Vincent-St. Mary

The Warriors scored 27 straight points to finish the first half

Photo by Jeff Harwell

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio – Walsh Jesuit scored 27 points in the second quarter and defeated St. Vincent-St. Mary 41-14 Friday night.

After STVM took a 7-0 lead on the first drive of the game where the Fighting Irish converted three third downs on the possession to keep the drive alive, it was all Warriors in the second quarter.

“The message was ok, that was a good shot of theirs,” Walsh head coach Nick Alexander said. “We were right there, we just needed to get off the field on third down.”

And get off the field the Warriors did. STVM converted just two of their next 11 third downs and the Warriors offense eventually got going, while the Walsh defense and special teams forced five turnovers.

Quarterback Ryan Kerscher threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Quintin Walton to tie the game at 7-7. And then after the Walsh defense held, the Walsh special teams partially blocked a punt. Kerscher immediately took advantage by running for a 12-yard touchdown.

“The receivers give me a ton of confidence, I just know they are going to be open for me,” Kerscher said. “And our line gives me a ton of confidence. When I am running around, I trust my guys.”

The Walsh defense again came up big, as sophomore Aiden Henry intercepted a pass off STVM quarterback Markelle Carter. The Walsh offense again turned it into points as Justin Bremner had a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 21-7.

STVM (7-3) was driving the field after Walsh missed a field goal and it looked as if the Fighting Irish would score before halftime but Henry again intercepted Carter. This one came at the Walsh 3-yard-line and Henry was able to return it 97 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the second quarter.

“I was gassed right before that play,” Henry said. “I saw them run that hitch and they ran it multiple times throughout the game, and I jumped it. I had lead blockers ahead and saw open space and I took it to the house.”

It wasn’t the first time Henry has made a play for the Warriors this season and his coach thinks it won’t be the last time people hear from the young player.

“Aiden Henry is a sophomore, he is a phenomenal football player,” Alexander said. “He is a name you guys are going to remember. He has been making plays all year.”

STVM scored to cut it to 27-14 when D’Anthony Kelker went 80 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter.

But Walsh (8-2) responded less than two minutes later when Kerscher hit Erik Polousky for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Kerscher then added a 34-yard touchdown pass to Walton in the fourth quarter to finish the scoring. The quarterback-wide receiver combination had been waiting for a night like this for a couple of years.

“Me and Q have been building this connection since our sophomore year (on junior varsity),” Kerscher said. “Tonight was a huge one for us. He was getting open, and I was just getting it to him and letting him do his thing.”

Kerscher threw for 154 yards and three scores and added 38 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His coach couldn’t help but heap praise on his senior quarterback, who has not been heavily recruited.

“He is awesome,” Alexander said of his senior quarterback. “Ryan Kerscher is a name that I wish more colleges would come (see). I am calling anybody and everybody who wants to listen. Ryan Kerscher is not committed anywhere. He wants to earn a spot. He is the man and he will be great for you.”

Bremner led the running attack with 110 yards for the Warriors. Walton had 84 yards receiving.

Kelker led STVM with 95 yards rushing on 11 carries and Santino Harper had 82 yards on 16 carries.

Both teams will now prepare for the playoffs and will host games in Division II, Region 5 with the matchups being announced Sunday. 

Photo Gallery (photos by Jeff Harwell)