Scotus football gets bounce back win over Aurora at home, Shamrocks improve to 3-1
Scotus Central Catholic football entered Friday's game seeking a bounce back win after falling to Ashland-Greenwood in week 3.
The Shamrocks would succeed in their bounce back attempt with a 42-28 win over Aurora at home.
"I'm very proud of the coaching staff with what they were able to do with the prep and our halftime adjustments which I thought won us this game," Scotus football coach Tyler Linder said. "Our players played well in all three phases. That was our most complete game."
Coming into the season, a goal for the Shamrocks was to win more games against tougher teams as they have struggled in those games in recent years. Despite Aurora's now 0-4 record, the Huskies are a good team that has played a brutal schedule thus far.
"I said it day one when our schedule was released that we had a challenge," Linder said. "I love the challenge, I love playing teams that are really good and it feels good to get a win."
Scotus got on the board first after Aurora turned the ball over on downs at the Shamrock 15. The first score was on a 62-yard pass from junior quarterback Carson Wessel to senior Spencer Shotkoski which set the tone for the game.
"Every play is designed to score, on that play I just ran tough and they didn't tackle well," Shotkoski said. "It ended up going pretty well for me. It was awesome and a long run is always fun."
On the night, Shotkoski also led the team with 87 receiving yards, he also added 25 on the ground.
"It feels really good to get the win, they're 0-4 but they're way tougher than that," Shotkoski said. "I really wasn't expecting to get as much and I really think I did well tonight."
The Huskies would later score on the first play of the second quarter before Aurora took a 14-7 lead off of a 50-yard strike shortly after.
The Shamrocks would answer with a 4-yard rushing touchdown from senior Luke Wemhoff before Aurora had its second drive end in the redzone as senior Cohen Pelan recorded an interception at the end of the half.
Defensively, Aurora's offense was able to move the ball at points but Scotus was able to come away with key turnovers despite allowing 285 passing yards and 111 rushing yards.
"Bend don't break, they're really dangerous when they have 100 yards to work with," Linder said. "In that redzone, their vertical passing game is off of the menu and we see that as an advantage for us."
The Shamrocks would simply dominate the third quarter holding Aurora to three yards while scoring 21 points.
Senior Max Wemhoff broke the 14-14 tie with a 25-yard pass from Wessel for a touchdown and the lead.
"They weren't really ready for it, I kind of got excited, I knew it was coming to me and I was ready," Max said. "I was excited, I don't really get touchdowns much."
Max with 36 receiving yards in key moments of the game.
"We were getting open, everything was open with the run and passes," Max said. "I missed a pass, but it was a good game."
Wessel and Pelan would score with their legs to give Scotus a 35-14 lead after three.
Aurora would score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter but a 34-yard touchdown pass from Wessel to Pelan would ultimately end the game with little time on the clock.
Wessel finished with three passing touchdowns and one rushing score on 232 passing yards and 34 yards on the ground.
"He adds a whole other dynamic to our offense, we're not having to be one dimension where we have to just give it to the running back," Linder said.
Pelan would finish his night with 69 rushing yards and 61 yards on catches to go along with the two scores and one pick.
Offensively, Scotus finished with 393 yards as Wessel, Pelan, Max and Shotkoski all had big nights. Luke would also finish with 52 total yards.
"Our kids make plays, every single one of them. Max had some big catches, Luke had some big runs, Cohen (Pelan) ran tough," Linder said. "We had Wessel play well, Shot converted a huge touchdown and he had a big third down late. I'm very proud of all those guys."
The Shamrocks now sit at 3-1 and will play at Pierce in week five.
"We go into district play next week and this was a big boost of confidence but we can't think that we're world beaters," Linder said. "We have a tough test next week playing a perennial powerhouse. We have distinct memories of going there last year and blowing a halftime lead, so I know I'm motivated to get back there."
