The Friars took down the defending TAPPS 5A State Champion Fort Worth Nolan on Friday, 42-14 to raise its record to 5-3. The Vikings came across town to play in this year’s version of what has become a strong rivalry match-up for both schools. The two schools share so many ideals and backgrounds, but on the athletic fields, they have played through some tough battles in almost every sport. However, Friday night’s football version, carried by Channel 21 locally, was a showcase of talent on both sides of the ball for Bishop Lynch.

The Friar defense, having struggled in recent weeks, got better in a hurry with the return of sophomore NG Malex Fuget, who anchored a strong defensive front against the vaunted Nolan rushing attack. Fuget’s 315-lb presence in the middle allowed senior ILB David Rochester to rack up 16 tackles and play almost unblocked all night. Junior OLB Gabe Brace was again the most impactful defensive player on the field, totaling 13 tackles, four TFL, two QB adjusts and three sacks. Junior SS Titus Beacham blew the game open with an interception return for a touchdown to put the Friars up 14-0. Beacham had nine total tackles and two interceptions on the night, including the one he returned for a touchdown.

Senior RB Rawleigh Williams III had his usual impressive night with 17 carries for 209 yards and one TD. He also added two catches for 55 yards and two TDs, one on a critical 4th down conversion attempt in the first half. Offensively, the Friars lead the entire area in rushing.

Bishop Lynch plays Bishop Dunne on Friday night at Earl Hayes Stadium at 7:30 pm – GO FRIARS!