THE SKINNY
Aurora Christian (7-3) rode big plays and a healthier defense to avenge a regular-season, 48-6 loss to Immaculate Conception three weeks ago and begin defense of its back-to-back Class 3A state titles with a 24-3 decision on Saturday.
TURNING POINT
Trailing 10-3, host Knights (6-4) took opening kick of second half and drove inside Eagles’ 10-yard-line. Eagles strong safety Brandon Walgren picked off a Jack Copher pass at the 2 and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown.
THE STAR
Walgren, who also completed a 74-yard touchdown pass out of the Wildcat formation to Noah Hagerty and had three tackles for loss.
THE NUMBERS
The 5-8, 142-pound Hagerty had four catches for 105 yards, including a 25-yard TD from quarterback Austin Bray. Immaculate Conception senior running back Randy Leslie ran 23 times for 120 yards and caught two passes for 28, but the Aurora Christian defense had 12 tackles for loss and got another interception from DL Jon Czerwinski.
QUOTABLE
“They had first and goal and ran three times, so on fourth, I thought they would pass. I just read the play and ended up getting it. I just went as fast as I could. Noah Roberts led me most of the way and picked up one of their guys.” — Walgren on his 98-yard pick six.
