Homecoming Defeat Tough to Swallow for Rice

The score was 28-21 in favor of Providence, and less than nine minutes remained in the final quarter. The Celtics had the ball facing a fourth down and one on the Crusaders' eight yard-line. Before the snap, a flag was thrown by one of the officials, signaling an offsides penalty against Providence. As the Celtics sent in their field goal unit, Rice was on the verge of a huge defensive stand. The kick went up, and the ball missed to the right. Quarterback Matt Page and the Crusader offense were ready to pursue a game-tying touchdown, and perhaps complete another great comeback victory.

However, Rice would not be given that chance. Instead, another flag went up, and the Crusaders were dealt a penalty for roughing the kicker. On the ensuing fourth down and one for Providence, quarterback Dominic Lagone rushed for the first down. Running back Brandon Price then rushed for his third touchdown of the evening, giving the Celtics a commanding 35-21 lead, from which Rice never recovered. A short TD pass late to Cameron Brach concluded the game's scoring, leading to a 42-21 Providence win.

The early parts of the game led fans to believe it would be a hard-fought back and forth battle. First it was Price on a short TD run. Then, it was Rice's Marcus Jones on a 70-yard carry to the endzone. However, the Celtics countered with a 21-0 scoring run. In the process, Page threw two interceptions to Kevin Ward, who took the second pick about sixty yards for a Celtic score. 

Rice did take advantage of a Celtic fumble deep in Providence territory before halftime. On third down with just seconds remaining, Page connected with Chris Rozell on a nine-yard touchdown reception. This much-needed score kept the Crusaders within striking distance, and gave them life.

With the Crusader defense re-energized, Rice's offense began to click. Page found receivers Luke Mueller, Malik Moody, and Rozell throughout his team's two third-quarter possessions. Rice pulled to within seven as Moody reeled in a well-thrown ball and sprinted to complete a 58-yard touchdown reception.

In the fourth quarter, well, it was unfortunate for those cheering in the home bleachers.  

Falling to a record of 3-3 (and a conference record of 1-2), the Crusaders' hopes of making the state playoffs became a little dimmer, with remaining games against De La Salle, Loyola, and Leo. Providence improved to 5-1, as well as to 2-1 in conference play. They move on to face Lake Forest Academy next week, and will finish out their season against St. Ignatius, then Mount Carmel.