The Gridiron Classic

by Tim Miller

Two dorms meet under the lights to determine which has the superior flag football athletes on Nov. 3. Lawlor Hall and the Hill square off for four 12-minute quarters of full-contact, smashmouth flag football as each attempt to dominate in the name of Jesus.

The event known as the Gridiron Classic kicks off with Printy and Maddox facing in their own flag football game at 6 p.m. at the Cedarville High School football field. Lawlor and the Hill kicks off thereafter.

Printy walloped Maddox to the tune of 49-0 last year. Printy dominated in all facets and never allowed Maddox to make any kind of offensive progress.

The Hill’s five-game winning streak was snapped in a 17-14 overtime loss last year.

The 14-14 tie was decided by Lawlor kicker Jon Cox who booted a 42-yard field goal through the uprights to give Lawlor the victory.

Lawlor resident director Nick Boucher is in his second year serving Lawlor and as head coach for the dorm. Boucher coached Lawlor to victory in his rookie campaign and said last year’s game culminating in a walk-off play couldn’t have been better.

“It was pretty sweet to end a losing streak like that on such a beautiful ending,” Boucher said. “Getting to get to know the guys of Lawlor even better while entering my first year as RD and then coach was a great experience.”

Sophomore linebacker Josh Gazica was a key cog in the Hill’s defense last year. Gazica said he hopes there’s still a high level of competition this year, but with a different outcome.

“Last year’s game was disappointing because it was so close,” Gazica said. “This year I’m hoping for another close game with hopefully a better result.”

Boucher highlighted a few players who he expects to lead Lawlor to a second straight win.

“I have captains Austin Delk, Tim Miller, Zac Griffith and Russell Keating that are chomping at the bit to continue the success we experienced last year,” Boucher said. “I am excited to be a part of a culture that does not settle, and even watching how these guys are pushing for the next level is exciting to see as a coach.”

Gazica is expected to produce for the Hill yet again this year, and he highlighted sophomore quarterback Caleb Pene, senior wide receiver and coach Phil Kline and sophomore safety Matt Wiebe as weapons for the Hill for this year’s game.

Pene and Gazica added that Lawlor’s defensive line poses an immense threat to their offensive attack. Even with a possible barrage of blitzes coming at the offensive line, Pene says he’ll be better prepared this year.

“Lawlor’s overwhelming defensive line definitely concerns me,” Pene said. “I know what’s coming this year though, so I’ll be ready.”

Tim Miller is a sophomore marketing major and sports editor for Cedars. He enjoys having a baby face, sipping Dunkin Donuts coffee and striving to be the optimal combination of Dwight Schrute and Ron Swanson.