Wet, Cold, Friday Night Lights: The 2024 Gridiron Classic

By James Beagle

After weeks of anticipation, on November 15th, four teams took the field to compete in the annual Gridiron Classic under the Friday night lights of Cedarville High School. The night consists of two flag football games between four dorms across campus, pitting Maddox against Printy and Lawlor against The Hill. This year, both contests proved to be defensive battles decided by some consequential big-time plays down the stretch.

Printy and Maddox’s matchup would be decided by the lone score of the game on a deep touchdown reception in the second quarter, leading to a 6-0 Maddox victory. But Printy, coming off a five-year winning streak, stepped onto the wet field looking to defend their title. 

Printy began with the ball and started the night strong with a 30-yard run up the right sideline. This would be a consistent theme for their offense, as most of their offensive production came in the run game. Despite some impressive scrambles by Maddox quarterback Raegan Howdyshell, her team was unable to put points on the board during the first quarter.

As the second quarter began, the Maddox crowd got into the mix and made its presence felt with some resounding “defense” chants. The players responded to this boost in morale as they were backed up nearly to their endzone, and the play of the night was about to be made. 

Wide receiver and safety Sophia Schneider made many essential plays throughout the game on both sides of the ball, but one stood far above the rest. On first down at their own 13-yard line, Howdyshell and Schneider connected on a deep pass down the right sideline. Schneider shifted direction and beat the one defender in her path, scoring a remarkable 87-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive. 

“I knew whenever I needed a play, I could throw it up to Sophia and trust her to make that play,” Howdyshell said. 

Each star player was confident in the other and knew the essential roles they would play in the team’s success. 

After a missed extra point, Maddox entered halftime with a lead of 6-0 despite Printy’s dominance in the run game. 

The second half seemed much quicker, as interceptions by both teams prevented much progress from the offenses. As the game’s final minutes approached, Printy reclaimed possession at their 15-yard line with a chance to take the lead. After multiple flags kept the drive alive, Schneider once again made her mark on the game, forcing key incompletions. 

“I knew I had to just read the offense, watch the quarterback’s eyes, and get to the ball,” Schneider said. “The defense as a whole played great tonight; they deserve the credit.” 

After a big-time sack by Maddox’s defense, time ran out on the win streak for Printy as the Maddox players rushed the field in victory. 

With the night’s focus now shifting to the matchup between Lawlor and the Hill, singing could be heard from the stands. The fans spontaneously broke out into a rendition of the The National Anthem, a showing of spirit during a Friday night football game. 

Printy’s win streak had ended, but Lawlor looked to continue their own against the Hill, who despite losing the previous eight years, came into this matchup with a strong belief that they could turn the tide. Before the game, The Hill’s slot wide receiver Caleb Rumley expressed his team’s thoughts. 

“We’re pretty confident about our chances. The defense will definitely be the strong suit. We don’t expect it to be a high-scoring game,” Rumley said.

Ultimately, Lawlor would once again beat The Hill, the final score being 10-6. However, Rumley was correct with his defense prediction, as neither team could gain yards easily. The Hill’s star running back, Dominick Helmig, made some plays early, displaying elite quickness and elusiveness in the open field. Screen passes over the middle of the field to Helmig would be a staple in the Hill’s offense throughout the night. 

After a quiet first quarter, The Hill’s quarterback Ethan Hostetler completed multiple tight passes to his receivers to bring his team within scoring distance. Despite a touchdown pass being negated by a last-second flag pull, The Hill scored the first points of the game with a field goal. 

Lawlor quickly answered with a strong drive of their own before halftime. Quarterback Tyler Cross completed a beautiful 45-yard pass down the left sideline and, shortly after, a touchdown on a fade route by receiver and kicker Noah Burr, who made a leaping catch over his defender. 

“I ran my route and knew I had an opening to make a play. Tyler threw a perfect ball and made my job easy,” Burr said.  

The Hill responded before halftime as Hostetler launched a deep ball on third down with time dwindling. The ball was caught by receiver Johnny Coughlin, who was able to elevate over two defenders, making a ridiculous grab that left the crowd in awe. This 50-yard gain set up a field goal for the Hill with 25 seconds before halftime. 

After adding a quick field goal to the scoreboard before halftime, Lawlor’s defense took control of the game. Nearly every offensive play by the Hill resulted in immediate pressure on Hostetler, making it impossible to get the ball into the endzone. Lawlor linebacker Isaiah Hansen made one of these key stops on third down, blowing up the previously mentioned screen pass to Helmig that the Hill seemed to rely on. 

“I saw the receiver coming into my zone, and I was able to get my hand on the ball just enough to break up the catch. Our defense as a whole played great situationally. We had some penalties that nearly cost us, but the team made the plays we needed to make in big moments,” Hansen said. 

This stellar and intense play by the Lawlor defense would continue. With 21 seconds left in the game, the Hill offense found itself ten yards from the endzone. After the pass by Hostetler on third down was tipped by the D-line, Lawlor defensive back David Walsh made a diving interception in the endzone to clinch the game for Lawlor. 

Lawlor’s fans erupted into celebration as they knew the game had been clinched and the win streak would continue. As the clock hit zero, the team stormed the field to embrace the player who made the game-winning play. Walsh gave no credit to himself after the game, instead praising his teammates and ultimately giving credit to the Lord. 

“I had two guys running slant routes in my direction. I knew I’d have to leave one a little more open than the other,” Walsh said. “The D-line tipped the pass and won the game for us. I was just in the right spot to catch the ball. I give all the glory to God for that play.” 

Chants of “nine peat” were shouted by the Lawlor players from the field as fans began to leave the stands. However, after a few moments, it became quieter, and soon, some singing could be heard from the field. The Lawlor teammates had gathered together one more time to praise Jesus, singing Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow as the night came to a close, focusing on the one who truly makes all these blessings possible. 

James Beagle is a freshman Broadcasting and Digital Media major. He enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs, and is very passionate about sports, especially when it comes to Philadelphia Eagles Football. 

Photos by Ian Chan