Wright's kick lifts Celtics to OT win

Providence's Tim Hanrahan (5) dashes between Jake Lembke (72) and Patrick Ward (79) to hit an opening.
(John Patsch/Herald News)

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The dual between two of the area's best running backs was ultimately decided by a defensive player and a kicker.

Host Providence survived a furious Joliet Catholic comeback to prevail with a 24-21 overtime victory in a game that was worthy of two of the stateʼs most accomplished programs.

Pat Wright connected on a 27-yard field goal in overtime to propel the No. 20 Celtics into next weekʼs Class 6A quarterfinals against the Oswego-Rock Island winner. Wright missed a 36-yarder, his first miss of the year, earlier in the game from near the same spot on the field.

``I donʼt think I missed the first one but they called it wide left,ʼʼ Wright said ``I used that to adjust my aim to a little bit right of center.ʼʼ

No. 15 Joliet Catholic (8-3) had the ball first in overtime and the Providence defense was finally able to stop Tyler Hudetz for minimal gains after he tore through them for 134 second-half yards.

That left Rob Cranmer a chance for a 24-yard field goal. But a high snap allowed Peter Houlihan enough time to come flying off the edge from the left side for the block -- his fourth of the season. Houlihan had 10 tackles and an interception for the Celtics.

``I was trying to block extra points from the right earlier but Hudetz was over there and I couldnʼt get by him,ʼʼ Houlihan said. ``He is the toughest player Iʼve ever had to tackle.ʼʼ

Providence (7-4) led 14-0 at halftime, but dominated the half even more than the score would indicate. Tim Hanrahan carried for 144 first-half yards with most coming behind the blocks of Northwestern-bound tackle Patrick Ward and guard Jake Lembke.

Hanrahan, who finished with 187 yards on 35 carries, scored on a one-yard run midway through the first quarter and a 15-yard burst up the middle on the first play of the second quarter.

Mike Hoffmeister threw a nine-yard touchdown to Cody Cleveland with 44 seconds left in the third quarter to give the Celtics a 21-7 lead.

JCA regrouped and rode its workhorse, Hudetz, to touchdown runs of one yard to 21-13. Hudetz, who scored Joliet Catholic's first TD on a 33-yard run, finished with 214 yards on 39 carries.

Matt Ginnetti threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Alex Kolodziej with 1:45 left to play and Hudetz ran the two-point conversion in to tie the game and force overtime.

``[Hanrahan] is a great athlete,ʼʼ Hudetz said. ``He definitely made a name for himself today.ʼʼ