Elijah Hood, Charlotte Catholic wallop Ashbrook

Coming into the game with Charlotte Catholic, Ashbrook knew it would be a test. It did not take real long to see how big of a test it really was. The Cougars started quick using power running lead by junior fullback, Elijah Hood. But it was a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Miller to Drew Tomsho that got Catholic on the board early.

The Cougars capped off their second drive with a 16-yard touchdown run by Zach Gabriel. Mitch Lochbihler’s extra point made it 14-0. This time last week, the Cougars blew a 14-0 lead and ended up losing 31-28 to Charlotte Country Day. Catholic was determined not to repeat that mistake.

Elijah Hood got on the board with a 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Cougars, however, would give the Green Wave a gift. Forced to punt midway through the second quarter, the Cougars mishandled the punt. Ashbrook took possession of the ball at the 11-yard line. Quarterback Dre Brice got Ashbrook on the board with a three-yard touchdown run. Ross Taylor’s extra point cut the Cougars’ lead to 21-7.

Catholic just kept pouring it on. Hood broke loose for another long touchdown run. This time it was from 53 yards out. The score would be 28-7 at the half. Ashbrook has been in a situation similar to this before. Week 1, they rallied from being down 35-21 at the half to win 45-42 over Olympic.

This mountain would keep getting steeper for the Green Wave. Gabriel extended the Cougar lead with his second touchdown run of the day – this time from 15 yards.

The Green Wave refused to go away. Brice broke off a 39 yard run to score his second touchdown of the evening. The Cougar lead was back down to 21.

Each time Ashbrook gathered momentum, the Cougars dashed those hopes. Hood answered the Green Wave score with another 53-yard touchdown run. This game was getting out of hand.

Tre Brice tried one more time to lead the Green Wave to another comeback. This time he used his arm when he hit Grant Stafford for a 23-yard touchdown pass. Ashbrook would not get closer and Catholic put the nail in the coffin when quarterback Ryan Miller punched another touchdown in from the one-yard line.

Elijah Hood had a big night for Charlotte Catholic. The Junior Fullback rolled up 306 yards and three touchdowns. Charlotte Catholic (3-1) opens up conference next Friday at home against Garinger. Ashbrook (2-1) opens conference play at home against Crest.

Quotes from the coaches:

Ashbrook coach Greg Hill on Elijah Hood “God has blessed that kid. (Hood) is a big-time back.”

Hill on his team “Our kids don’t quit. They play hard.”

Hill on Catholic and Ashbrook's schedule “They are the toughest we’ve played since I’ve been at Ashbrook. It’s an opportunity to measure where we’re at. It doesn’t get any easier. Our nonconference schedule will prepare us for conference. To be the man, you have to beat the man. We don't dodge anybody.”

Catholic Coach Jim Oddo on Hood “He’s special. He’s got the heart of an elephant. He will you a smart coach. I coached his dad and his uncle. He’s got a good pedigree. He’s a good student and a good kid.”

Oddo on the team “We looked good, but we need to get better. We’ll get there. We’re young.”