Columbus North’s Asher Ratliff runs the ball against Bishop Chatard at Columbus North, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Paige Grider for The Republic
Paige Grider | For The Republic
Columbus North had its toughest assignment this season in Bishop Chatard Friday night.
In the end, the Class 3A No. 1 Trojans showed why they are the heavy favorite to repeat as 3A state champs later this year. They did enough in all three phases of the game in handing the Bull Dogs a 28-3 loss at Max Andress Field.
North was the underdogs heading into the game, but didn’t let the game become a complete runaway as they made plays throughout to keep the game close in the first half.
“Obviously, we knew going into the game who we were playing. We knew it was a good football team. Not to say we think we could win, but it was a tough task in front of us,” North coach Logan Haston said. “Our big message this week was having a great week of practice, and when you kick to Friday, and the ball is kicked, go play with relentless effort, and I thought we got that tonight.”
After Bull Dog quarterback Asher Ratliff scrambled and threw an interception, Chatard (5-0) took advantage with a couple of long passing plays. Trojans quarterback Aidan Arteaga threw to Roman Barraza for a 26-yard touchdown to lead 7-0 with the extra point good with 6:24 left in the opening quarter.
North (2-3) was forced to punt on the ensuing possession. Chatard added to the lead when Daniel Shaw ran it from 5 yards out to increase the lead to 14-0 after the extra point with 5:53 left in the first half. That lead would hold as the game hit the half.
With the Trojans having possession to start the second half, they were faced with a fourth down. They decided to go for it, but the defense of North held its ground to force the turnover on downs. With the Bull Dogs in great field position at the 29-yard line, the drive stalled after three plays. Bryce Luttrell booted a 47-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 7:27 left in the third quarter.
The momentum seemed to swing North’s way, but Chatard stopped that momentum fast. The Trojans went to the air when Arteaga found Colin Guy for a 40-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 21-3 with 4:27 left in the third. The Trojans increased the lead on the next possession when Arteaga found Harrison Forestal for the 2-yard score to make the 28-3 final score.
“They played with phenomenal effort throughout the night,” Haston said. “It started on the defensive side of the ball. They got some crucial stops and gave us some good field position. We didn’t capitalize on offense, but kudos to that defensive unit for getting some stops against a good team.”
North returns to Conference Indiana play whne they travel to Terre Haute North on Friday.
