Lower Gwynedd witnessed a commanding performance from the Wissahickon Trojans as they defeated the Archbishop Carroll Patriots 38-14 on March 15, 2024. After a tightly contested first half, Wissahickon broke away in the fourth quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess and securing their position as an undefeated team this season.
The game started with a competitive atmosphere, but it was Wissahickon who held a slight edge at halftime with a score of 17-14. A brief discussion between senior quarterback Evan Tolmie and head coach Rory Graver during the break proved pivotal. Tolmie executed a stunning 60-yard touchdown pass to teammate Quentin West as the fourth quarter began, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour.
As the clock ticked down, Wissahickon’s offense came alive, scoring three touchdowns in the final 12 minutes. Tolmie’s impressive performance included a total of 184 passing yards, completing 10 of 13 attempts. The connection between Tolmie and West was particularly striking, as they linked up for two touchdown passes in quick succession.
“(Carroll was) stuffing the box trying to stop our run,” Graver explained. “They didn’t have anyone over top of ‘Q’ there two series in a row, so we took advantage of that. Evan threw a great ball and ‘Q’ did the rest.”
The initial touchdown from Tolmie to West pushed the lead to 24-14 with just under 12 minutes remaining. Moments later, the duo struck again, this time for a 44-yard score, extending the lead to 31-14. Dominic Harvey-Sheppard capped off the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run, marking his third rushing touchdown of the game. Harvey-Sheppard’s impressive performance saw him rush for 80 yards on 10 attempts.
“He’s been doing that since he was a freshman,” Graver said, praising Harvey-Sheppard’s skill. “He’s a tough football player.”
The Trojans’ defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing consecutive three-and-outs. Linebacker Zion Ford made a critical tackle for a loss on a 4th-and-1 that allowed Wissahickon to maintain control. Graver emphasized the importance of defensive improvements, stating, “If we want to take this thing where our goals are, it’s going to be on the defensive side of the ball.”
Archbishop Carroll, now with a record of 2-1, managed to narrow the gap in the third quarter. After starting quarterback Chris Sponburgh left the game due to injury, Haleem Johnson stepped in and led a drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Tyty Mattison. Mattison, who finished the game with eight receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his talent with an 89-yard leaping catch earlier in the first quarter that tied the game at 7-7.
“(Mattison) is a really good receiver,” Graver noted. “He went and made some plays for them.”
Looking ahead, Archbishop Carroll will begin Philadelphia Catholic League play next week, hosting Lansdale Catholic at 19:00 at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium. Meanwhile, Wissahickon, now boasting a record of 3-0, prepares to visit Sun Valley for their next matchup.
The final score reflected a dominant performance by Wissahickon, highlighting the strength of their offensive and defensive units as they continue their unbeaten streak this season. The game ended with the following scoring breakdown:
Wissahickon 38, Archbishop Carroll 14
Archbishop Carroll 7 0 7 0 – 14
Wissahickon 7 10 0 21 – 38
In terms of team statistics, Wissahickon outperformed Carroll significantly, achieving 22 first downs compared to Carroll’s 9, and accumulating 432 total yards against Carroll’s 269. This victory not only solidifies Wissahickon’s status in the league but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.
