Rita's new coach is one of several players interviewed in 2008 prior to a game against MC.
SR's Marty Hopkins
- Thread starter Silver Rain
- Start date
If I remember right the big play of the game was Hopkins and company stopped Lynch at the goal line on 4th down. The Southtown did a 8 page supplement on lithographic page for the game.
https://greatamericanrivalry.com/game/mount-carmel-vs-st-rita-2008/#summary
I think that games on You Tube under the Rita Replays. SR dominated most of that game. MC woke up a bit the second half but even if Jordan got in I think they would have needed another score.
35-21 SR. Hopkins got the tackle but the assists went to grade school team mates of Lynch. Hopkins grew up in the parish just East of Lynch’s parish. They had been playing against each since 4th grade. SR played a MC game every night on You Tube during the Covid cancelled fall season on the week that would have been MC week. For me that week of videos was better than watching the state playoffs. I guess it’s a CCL thing.
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Rita's 7A Championship year. MC, I believe, reached the 8A finals against WWS. I was at that game as well.
MC scored early in dominating fashion and missed XP. Rita scored late Q4 and made XP. Stopped MC on downs to seal victory.
The 7-6 game was in the championship season, 2006 My oldest nephew was on the team, so I saw 13 out of their 14 games. The only game I missed was their only loss. Met several of my classmates from MC in the parking lot. We met again in the parking lot in Champaign. SR’s defense kind of played not to lose on by giving up the big play then stiffened as MC got closer to the end zone. I think they were very worried about getting into a scoring duel with MC. On offense SR offense played not to lose by turnover. They went with very conservative play calling, played with some two tight end sets, narrowed the gaps, and ran between the tackles. After MC scored and missed the extra point, SR went with wider splits, brought in an extra WR, and moved down the field which they were not able to do all game. SR’s QB Peter Balsam moved the team down the field efficiently for their only time all game making it 7-6. Balsam had TE size and was a tough runner to take down when the defense could box load the box. When MC got the ball back and there was not a lot of time on the clock. SR’s DE’s Fleming and Conrath did not allow the MC QB enough time to throw the ball and SR took over on downs to run out the clock. The game was a classic. With Lynch and Hopkins at the helm I think we will see and lot of very good football on the Southside for a while longer.
I went 30 years w/o going to a high school football game. Got made an honorary SR alumni since that was their only loss, the game I missed. High school football is the best $5 anyone can spend.
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