Irish strike early, pull away from Mavericks
Knoxville Catholic High School has won its first two games for a second consecutive season.
The Irish had to come from behind to beat Riverdale in Week 1, but there would be no need for a comeback Thursday, Aug. 27, as KCHS got off to a fast start.
The blazing beginning helped the Irish cruise to a 42-21 win over Anderson County Thursday night before a packed house and a regional TV audience at KCHS’s Blaine Stadium.
The Irish (2-0) scored the game’s first touchdown when Kruise Bunyn Jr. had a 1-yard carry with 8 minutes, 37 minutes remaining in the opening frame, culminating an 80-yard drive. On its next possession, Catholic had a quick strike as senior quarterback Mack Bartholomew connected with Braylen Gibbs from 73 yards out, making the score 14-0 before the Mavericks trimmed the Irish’s advantage in half on J.D. Gillum’s 57-yard scoring strike to Lane LaRue.
Bartholomew, who went 10-for-14 through the air with 150 yards and three touchdowns, found David Thomas from 12 yards out, making the score 21-7.
Thomas, a late arrival to Catholic, has wasted little time making an impact on the Irish’s program. He’s been with the team for approximately a month. In two games, however, he has nine receptions for 252 yards and three touchdowns.
Irish head coach Philip Shadowens has been impressed with Thomas, lauding him for his early consistency at one of the team’s wide receiver spots.
“David is just consistent,” Shadowens said. “David is going to be David every play.
“He’s going to run good routes, be fast, and make plays or you.”
Bartholomew emerged as a double- threat for the Irish as he was also the leader of Catholic’s ground attack, amassing 112 yards on just five carries.
He scored on a 49-yard touchdown scamper, making the score 28-7. The Irish’s defense scored a defensive touchdown as Markise Witt intercepted a pass from Gillum and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown giving the Irish the 35-7 advantage they enjoyed at the half.
The Irish scored their final touchdown when Bartholomew threw an 8-yard scoring strike to tight end Brayden Howard before the Maverick’s made it a bit closer on Gillum’s second scoring strike of the contest.
