The Chesterton Trojan Football team concluded their season after losing the sectional title at Valparaiso 28-21. The team, which lost in their regular season game at Valpo 22-21 in overtime, traveled to Valparaiso for the second time. CHS finished the season with a 6-5 season, but had many impressive wins throughout the season.
The first quarter was dominated by the Vikings. The Trojans kicked off to Valpo to start the game, and the Valpo offense was able to efficiently move down the field to score. When Chesterton got the ball for the first time, already down by seven points, they were not able to move the ball much. When they gave the ball to Valpo, the team in green took the ball right back down the field and scored for their second time in only two possessions. The Trojans were now in a 14 point hole, but fortunately had much time to turn the game around. The Trojans still struggled offensively, but the defense gained momentum and strung together a couple stops of the Viking offense. The defense played soundly for the rest of the half.
With less than four minutes to go in the half, Chesterton managed to swing momentum their way and got huge plays to go their way. First, junior linebacker Robert Stabolito rushed into the backfield and deflected a pass high in the air. Senior defensive end Owen Edlen spotted the ball in the air, and then leapt up and caught it, giving his offense the ball in great field position. The offense again couldn’t find anything that was working, and went with an unconventional method to get the ball moving. The offense called for a hook and ladder, where one receiver catches the ball and tosses it back to another offensive player. Arguably the most famous hook-and-ladder was in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl between Boise State and Oklahoma. During that game, on a third and long situation, late in the 4th quarter, Boise St receiver Jerard Rabb received the ball on a lateral from a teammate and then took it down the sideline for a touchdown. Flash forward to this game, and it was senior quarterback CJ Perez who completed a pass to junior receiver Gus Wisch, who then tossed it to junior receiver Louis Raffin. Raffin was able to burn down the sideline, just like BSU’s Rabb and then burst down to get the six points. Junior kicker Drew Pacilio cut the lead to seven points with the point-after-touchdown, and just like that the Trojans, who overall had been playing a much worse half, got within seven points.
The very next offensive play for the Vikings, senior safety Chase Staubus kept momentum swinging in Chesterton’s favor by covering his receiver and cutting to an underthrown ball to make an interception. Now the CHS offense had the ball in good field position again, but had less than one and a half minutes to work with. Raffin would catch the ball three times, gaining two first downs on the drive. At the six yard line, Chesterton opted to take a risk and run a play instead of kicking the chip shot field goal. Perez got the ball under center, looking to wedge up the middle, but instead ran to the outside, showing off his elusiveness and just barely getting the first down. Perez quickly got his offense set and spiked the ball to stop the clock, since they had used all of their timeouts already. On the next play, all the Chesterton receivers ran up to the endzone, and Perez scrambled right, finding junior receiver Patrick Mochen in the front corner. Perez had solid protection to give him time, specifically on the right side from junior linemen Braxton Ozug. The teams were now heading into halftime and the Trojans had tied the game back up at 14-14.
The second half started much like the first. Chesterton received the ball but gave it back to Valpo on a punt, and Valparaiso got a chunk play to score the touchdown. The offenses would then trade quick, unsuccessful drives, until Chesterton got the ball near the end of the third quarter. Perez moved the ball down the field, escaping some third and long situations, and ate up all the time in the third quarter. Staubus scored a rushing touchdown right at the start of the fourth quarter, tying the game back up. Valparaiso then got the ball back, with the intention to score and leave little time back on the clock. Valparaiso did just that, scoring on a methodical ten play drive. Chesterton still was left with enough time to score, but ended up giving the ball up on an interception. The defense needed a quick stop to save the game. Chesterton’s defense was able to stop Valparaiso and forced them to kick a field goal, which they missed wide right. Chesterton’s offense was given one last shot, with very little time remaining, but could only get one first down.
One key factor for Chesterton’s winning record, a major improvement from last season’s record (2-8), was their conversion percentages on third and fourth down. Offensively, Chesterton converted 45.8% on third and 64.7% on fourth, while holding opponents defensively to 33.7% on third and 35% on fourth.
Throughout the season, Chesterton unfortunately faced several offense changing injuries, including a broken collarbone from Raffin, a knee injury to senior quarterback Brady McCormack, and an injury for leading rusher junior Andrew Goveia (who did not play in the Sectional Tournament). However, Chesterton’s offense was able to adapt to different situations several times throughout the season. Perez, who was playing receiver, took over McCormack’s role as quarterback. Staubus took over Goveia’s role as tailback, and played both offense and defense for the sectional tournament. Junior receiver Michael Rone took many snaps as a fullback, a role which he picked up part way through the season.
The Trojans were able to make a great season, even with the injuries that were thrown at them. Congratulations to Andrew Goveia for a 1,000 rushing yards season (1,198 yards).Congratulations on a great season to all who were involved in the program. The team will be sad to see their seniors go, but they appreciate all that they have done for the program.
