Sports

Finals Countdown: Woolen's Score Gives Eaglets Win in Overtime

In honor of Orchard Lake St. Mary's reaching the state finals for the third straight season, we're counting down three plays which defined this season.

Before the Orchard Lake St. Mary's varsity football team plays in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state finals game against Mount Pleasant Saturday at 7 p.m. from Ford Field, let's go back to Oct. 1, and this key play in overtime which gave the Eaglets a win over Catholic League rival Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice.

Down 9-3 in overtime, on third-and-goal from the Warriors 17-yard-line, St. Mary's senior quarterback Dan Clements threw from the shotgun formation and hit senior wide receiver Christopher Woolen at the 7-yard-line. It was Clements' first completion of the game, in part thanks to a cold, hard rain which soaked the hometown crowd.

Woolen broke three tackles on his way to the end zone to tie the game, and senior kicker Nathan Parry clinched the win with the extra point. The homecoming victory denied Brother Rice head coach Al Fracassa his 400th career win.

Find out what's happening in West Bloomfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"A great throw by Danny and Chris Woolen, wow, what a big time play. (Woolen) is very deserving of that play, he’s worked hard all year to make that big play and I’m very proud," said Eaglets head coach George Porritt.

"I caught it and turned around and saw a seam — broad daylight," Woolen said.

Find out what's happening in West Bloomfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And then?

"Amazing. Greatest feeling of my life. Against our rivals. I'll see you at Ford Field," he added with a laugh.

What a memorable season is has been for the Orchard Lake St. Mary's varsity football team. Check out our feature in which we're profiling sports parents: E-mail tim.rath@patch.com with information.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.