December 6, 2008

Murfreesboro (WVLT Sports Overtime) -- Catholic made the drive from Knoxville to Murfreesboro as an undefeated team. They return that way, and bring back a gold ball as proof.

The Fighting Irish (15-0) beat Memphis Mitchell (10-5) Saturday afternoon 28-18 on the campus of Middle Tennessee State to claim the Class AAA state championship. For Catholic, it's the school's first ever state championship in football.

Mitchell took an early 6-0 lead, but Catholic immediately answered on a drive that lasted just 54 seconds. Quarterback Tyler Williamson found Nick Branum for a 55 yard scoring strike. With the extra point, Catholic took a 7-6 lead.

With 1:54 left in the first, the Tigers reclaimed the lead when Artaves Gibson scored on a 4-yard run. But just like on the Tigers' first touchdown, the conversion failed, making it a 12-7 Memphis lead.

The Irish answered with two 2nd quarter touchdowns. With ten minutes left in the second, Cody Shirley found the endzone from 2 yards out, that put the Irish back on top 14-12. Then, just before the half, Williams fired his second TD pass of the half when he connected with tight end Daniel Hood on an 18 yard play. Catholic led 21-12 at the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, Mitchell closed the gap to three, when Gibson scored from from five yards out. Again, the two-point conversion failed, making it a 21-18 Catholic lead.

The Irish then committed a key turnover and Mitchell would put together a drive. But, then the Tigers gave a gift back to the Irish, throwing an interception. Catholic then took over, took time off the clock, and put the game out of reach. Williamson scored on a one yard touchdown run, making it 28-18 with 3:04 left in the game.

More to come on volunteertv.com and Saturday during Sports Overtime at 7:30 & 11 pm.