By NEIL HESSE
Register Correspondent
ALVARADO — The Sacred Heart Tigers 2009 campaign will continue as their defense held Bryan Brazos’ potent running game to 148 rushing yards and no passing yards in a 17-8 regional playoff win Friday in Alvarado.
The Tigers improved their record to 10-3 and will face Richardson Canyon Creek at Argyle Liberty Christian Stadium Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart’defense gave up a first down on their first series before Mark Bartush alertly covered a fumble giving Sacred Heart good field position on the Eagle 21-yard line.
Following a first down, quarterback Matt Hesse went around end and scored on a 3-yard run. Jae Kook Im added the PAT to make it 7-0.
The Tiger defense continued their stingy style of work as they held Brazos Christian at bay. Gene Yosten Jr., John Kraweitz and Matt Hesse had key tackles on the next possession to force a punt. As the defenses continued to battle, Brazos pinned Sacred Heart down at the Tiger 7-yard line.
After an unsuccessful set of downs, Sacred Heart was punting out of their own end zone. The snap of the wet ball sailed wide of the punters hands and out of the end zone for a safety. Sacred Heart’s lead was cut to 7-2 with 6:25 left before half.
The ensuing kick was returned to the Tiger 39-yard line. Four first downs later, the Eagles went ahead 8-7 as Colin Tseng took the ball over the goal line.
Gene Yosten Jr. covered the ensuing onside kick. The Tigers gained three first downs with the big plays being a 20-yard quarterback draw by Hesse and a pass to John Kraweitz for 14 yards.
With 8 seconds and no time outs left, Hesse went back to pass but ran into too much real estate and not enough time as the half ended with Sacred Heart at the 1-yard line.
The Tigers were held on their first possession of the second half and were forced to punt. Kirill, Kyle Knabe and Chad Henscheid came up with big defensive plays to stop the Eagle drive.
The next Tiger series had Greyson Evans catching a drive-sustaining pass for seven yards. Then Hesse hit Bob Bartush for a 41-yard gain to set up the Tigers on the Eagle 8-yard line as the third quarter ended. Hesse carried the next three snaps and the end result was a 3-yard touchdown and the Tigers led 14-8 with 11:13 left in the game.
On fourth down on their next possession, Brazos tried a fake punt and the Tiger defense was there to sniff it out and hold the Eagles short of a first down.
After taking over on their own 47-yard line, the Tigers gained two first downs to the Brazos 19-yard line. The Tigers then put the ball on the turf and it was covered by Brazos. With a chance to ice the game, Sacred Heart fell a little short and Brazos had another chance.
Sacred Heart’s defense once again stiffened and the Tigers returned the punt to the Brazos 46-yard line. A key pass to Kraweitz netted the Tigers a much needed first down. Hesse then picked up another first down and a personal foul face mask was tacked on to the play and the Tigers were in business 10 yards away from paydirt.
Brazos’ defense stiffened this time and on fourth down the Tigers chose to use their weapon in Jae Im. Jae’s 32-yard field goal sailed through the uprights to no avail as the Tigers were called for illegal procedure.
Backing the Tigers up five yards, Im had another chance to ice the game from 37 yards out. Again Im was straight through the middle of the uprights for a Tiger lead of 17-8 with 1:28 to play.
Im had a perfect squib kick to follow which was too hot to be handled by the Eagles and it was covered by Tiger Garrett Berend to seal the victory.
Sacred Heart ended the game by a succession of kneel downs.
