LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Shamrocks are state champions once again, making this the 29th state title for Trinity.
The No. 3 Trinity Shamrocks (12-2) faced off against No. 6 Ryle (12-2) Saturday afternoon for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association 6A State Football Championship at Kroger Field in Lexington.Â
Ryle's defense didn't waste anytime, coming out hot in the first quarter forcing Trinity to a quick punt.Â
In the first scoring drive of the game, Ryle's quarterback Nathan Verax finds receiver Landon Lorms for a 27-yard touchdown, putting the Raiders on the board early, 7-0.
The Shamrocks get the ball on the Raiders 20-yard line, but Ryle's defense gets to Trinity's quarterback Zane Johnson for the 13-yard sack with 3:34 left in the first quarter.
Then, Verax launches to Lorms again for a 55-yard touchdown, with Raiders leading 14-0.
In the second quarter, Trinity gets cooking when Johnson fires to wide receiver Nation Roe-McBroom for a 13-yard gain, advancing to Ryle's 5-yard line. Then, Shamrocks running back Jamaurion Berry pushes through the defense to score the touchdown, making it 14-7 Ryle.
Trinity continues with the momentum when Johnson hits wide receiver Mason Scherer to tie it up at halftime.
Ryle came out determined in the second half.Â
Lorms catches a wild pass from Verax downfield near the 45-yard line. Then, the duo finds each other again for the 4th & 2 conversion. Ryle kicker Gavin Moses gets the 39-yard field goal, giving Ryle the edge, 17-14.
But don't count out Trinity yet.Â
With just 1:35 left in the third quarter, Johnson fires to Jason Hagan for a 40-yard touchdown, 21-17 Shamrocks.
Ryle starts the fourth quarter off, but Trinity's safety Caleb Ricks picks off the pass for a 34-yard return. Trinity leads 27-17.
Trinity continues to dominate in the fourth when the defense makes a huge Ryle sack with 6:37 left. Then, Berry twists free from a defender to score an 11-yard touchdown. Trinity leads 35-17.Â
Another stunning play by Trinity when Bailey Vance intercepts the pass and scores for a 15-yard touchdown, making it 42-17 when about 3 minutes left in the game.
But then, game play stops when Ryle's Jaden Galicia went down on the field after the kickoff. Emergency personnel carried him off the field on a stretcher, with his teammates by his side.
Still hanging on, here comes Ryle's dynamic duo once again. Verax connects with Lorms again for the touchdown late in the fourth quarter, making it 42-23, Trinity.
Trinity's quarterback Zane Johnson was name the game's MVP.Â
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