The Perry Pirates football team defeated the visiting Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions in a recent Division IV state playoff game.
Perry won the game 26-6, but the game was up for grabs until the fourth quarter.
The Pirates started with an 80-yard touchdown run by Carter Hopkins on the first play from scrimmage.
Everything looked to be going the Pirates’ way as Greg Mechenbier then picked up an interception around the 40-yard line.
Perry marched down to the goal line and Hopkins added a one-yard touchdown, making it 13-0.
Dylan Hoenigman would pick up some solid runs for the Lions before the drive stalled. The Lions settled for a field goal, trimming the lead to 13-3.
Perry looked to respond with a 63-yard run by Traxton Richards. However, the Pirates’ drive ended in a turnover on downs.
Perry would create another turnover as Mason Bilicic caused a fumble that Nick Gustin recovered.
Perry would have another drive come up short and end with a turnover on downs.
NDCL added another field goal, making it 13-6 before halftime.
Neither team would score in the third quarter as both teams stiffened up on defense.
Perry would finally pull away starting in the fourth quarter.
Nate Trefzger found Andrew Morris for a 50-yard touchdown pass, upping the lead to 20-6 after the extra point.
The Pirates iced the game with a 26-yard pass from Trefzger to Brody Krantz, making the final score 26-6.
With the win, Perry improved to 9-2 on the year and advanced to play West Branch.
