5th-Grade Sullivan Eagles Football Caps Off Great Season At Championship

The 5th-grade Eagles football team finished their season in 2nd place at the championship, falling 26-8 to St. Clair on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Sullivan’s sole touchdown came just before halftime with a run by quarterback Corrin Fox and kicker Conner Pohlman easily delivered the ball inside the goal post for two points.

The Bulldogs utilized the corners on outside runs and sweeps to penetrate the Eagles’ defense for four touchdowns. They also capitalized on the Eagles’ penalties, such as a few false starts.

In the post-game huddle, Sullivan head coach J.D. Hecht told his team that “losing is never fun, but it’s a part of life.”

Hecht explained his message as, “It’s always tough to lose, especially in a championship game. I hope this motivates them to work hard next year to hopefully get there again and win it.”

He went on to express how much he loved them and how excited he was to see them continue their progress in the next three years. “I’m excited for this team to continue to grow their love for the game and improve each year. They have the potential to do some really great things,” he stated after the game.

It was a tough game, but the Eagles put up a great fight against St. Clair and overall had an incredible season.

The 5th graders finished their debut season with a record of 6-3 and had lost two of their games to the Bulldogs.

Sullivan’s first drive in the championship included explosive plays, highlighted by a rush from Pohlman that brought them to within about 25 yards of the end zone. However, the drive ended with a fumbled handoff that St. Clair recovered.

The Bulldogs executed a 45-yard run, but Macklon Nigh pushed him out-of-bounds before he could make the end zone. St. Clair couldn’t score as they were held back on false starts and were shut down on 4th and long.

The first quarter ended with both teams taking turns of the ball, but neither able to score.

With 6:58 left until halftime, Ryker Strube recovered St. Clair’s fumble at Sullivan’s 30-yard-line to get another chance to march down the field. Their attempt failed and when they went to punt, Sullivan then fumbled on their end with St. Clair getting possession and now 18 yards away from the end zone. The Bulldogs took advantage of this situation and ran inside for both a successful touchdown and conversion to seize a 7-0 lead.

Sullivan struck back with some theatrics of their own. With 1:22 left until halftime, Fox ran in for the touchdown and Pohlman kicked in the 2 points to now have a slim 8-7 lead.

The Bulldogs did not let the Eagles get the final bite and stole two scores right before the half ended for a 20-8 lead.

Coach Hecht told his team at halftime that even though the Bulldogs scored 2 touchdowns in under a minute, it doesn’t mean they can’t as well.

The Eagles started the second half rejuvenated and shocked St. Clair with what looked to be an onside kick by Sullivan that Jeffrey Deutsch of the Eagles recovered, taking away the Bulldogs’ chance to receive the ball first in the 3rd quarter.

However, as exciting as the play was, Sullivan’s offense turned over midfield and St. Clair seized the last touchdown of the game for a 26-8 Bulldog win.

The rest of the second half featured both teams turning over the ball back and forth, with many fumbles occurring.

With 5 seconds left in the game, Trevor Booker caught a pass about a yard away from the end zone, but the Eagles’ touchdown opportunity was squashed when they fumbled.

Despite the struggles that Sullivan faced, they put up a strong fight against St. Clair and left an impression on the Bulldogs that this was a tough team that never backed down, no matter what the scoreboard said.

This game will only leave the Eagles more eager to beat their rivals in the next game the following season.

Another event in the Sullivan Jr. Eagles football world that occurred on the same Saturday was that the 7th-grade football team won their 2nd straight championship matchup, which was against Jeff City Helias.