All Eyes on the Irish After Dominant Win Over Liberty

With a 45-7 win, O’Dea’s relentless high-pressure defense and talented offense was no match for the Liberty Patriots in the first round of the 3A state playoffs on November 8th at Memorial Stadium.

To open the game, O’Dea forced a fumble on Liberty’s first possession, recovered by O’Dea’s Zander Turner, this was quickly followed by a 25-yard rushing touchdown by All-Metro running back Uriah Springfield, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

As Liberty tried to get back on their feet after the turnover, they followed up with another fumble recovered by O’Dea’s Max Speller, and a following touchdown from Davonn Abaga. Just 2 minutes into the game, O’Dea held a 14-0 lead, taking the air out of the Patriots.

The Fighting Irish’s receiver Peyton Egan scored two consecutive touchdowns, pushing the first-quarter lead to 28-0, followed by a receiving touchdown from the newly named Metro League Defensive MVP and all First Team Defensive Back, Sage Salopeck, accelerating the Irish to a first quarter 35-0 lead.

A Luther Hill receiving touchdown closed the half 42-0 in favor of O’Dea. The Irish could not have made a louder statement to open the playoffs, the rate that they were able to produce offense and force turnovers was impressive, and distinctive of a state-championship contender.

This Fighting Irish team has a hold of the league’s attention and continue to prove to be a team to beat in the eyes of all State Championship contenders.