Griffins rein supreme with eighth straight title

Ryan Blevins

The local football community once again saw the W.F. Herman Green Griffins capture high school football supremacy as they defeated the Holy Names Catholic High School Knights Nov. 20 and won the Newman conference championship.

The 30-7 routing of Holy Names was nothing out of the ordinary as far as Windsor Essex County Secondary School Athletic Association championships go. With this victory, the Green Griffins have won eight consecutive WECSSAA championships and have defeated the Knights in five consecutive championship meetings. Prior to this meeting both teams were nationally ranked by CanadianFootballChat.com. CFC ranked Holy Names 17th in the country while Herman was viewed at the nations third best team.

Nationally recognized Herman Green Griffins long-time head coach Harry Lumley said his message has not changed much over the years.

“It never gets old. It’s always new kids so you know I mean I tell every team each year you didn’t win anything. That was last year’s team so it’s always new,” Lumley said.

Herman got the scoring started early with a 75 yard touchdown run on their first possession from team captain and running back Jalen Jackson. The power running attack of Herman once again propelled the Griffins out to an early lead. On the ensuing possession Holy Names quarterback, Inho Choi, had his pass tipped and intercepted by linebacker Brandon Tolsen of the Griffins. The Knights’ defence held their ground and held the Herman offense to seven points in the first half. Strong first half defensive performances were turned in by Holy Names’ Jake Rajsigl and Herman’s Grant Colquhoun.

Holy Names senior outside linebacker, Patrick Kaschalk, said he felt his team came out of the gates strong but their performance declined as the game went on.

“We played them hard, we gave them a good first quarter but a couple big plays by them really broke us down,” Kaschalk said.

The third quarter held more of the same for the Herman offense as Jalen Jackson broke a 63-yard touchdown run to put Herman up 14-0. Pinning Holy Names deep in their own territory the Griffins defense forced Holy Names punter Adam Cesare to retreat into the end zone and force a safety. Jalen Jackson added a three yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to put the game seemingly out of reach. Zach Herzog of the Knights leapt over his offensive line for Holy Names’ only score of the game late in the fourth quarter. Trying to shift momentum and start a rally, Holy Names’ Chase Boycott recovered an onside kick to retain possession for the Knights. Herman put the nail in the coffin when Elijah Blythe intercepted Inho Choi and returned the ball 111-yards for a touchdown.

Herman running back and rushing leader Jalen Jackson said he was excited about keeping Herman’s championship streak alive.

“It’s a great feeling to continue the streak. We want to keep it going. Everyone did their part, everybody played hard to the end of the whistle,” Jackson said.

Jackson finished the game with 231 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Holy Names Zach Herzog provided 102 yards and a score for his team while quarterback Inho Choi had seven completions for 75 yards and three interceptions.

Holy Names’ head coach Rob McIntyre is proud of his team’s performance facing a tough Herman team.

“Our kids played extremely well,” McIntyre said “They’re very fast and very, very talented. It was 7-0 at the half and the kids played great.”

Both teams now look to next season with the goal of meeting each other again in the finals.