La Salle-Peru Football Falls 41-13 to Carbondale in 5A Playoff Second Round
The Cavaliers were shut out for three quarters before scoring twice in the final period, ending their season with a 6-6 record.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Carbondale’s defense overwhelmed La Salle-Peru in the Class 5A second-round playoff game on Saturday, holding the Cavaliers scoreless through three quarters. The Terriers built a commanding lead that La Salle-Peru could not overcome, resulting in a 41-13 defeat in Carbondale.
The Cavaliers managed only two touchdowns in the fourth quarter after Carbondale removed its starting defensive unit. Sophomore tailback Sam Carter ran in a 5-yard score with 10:39 remaining. Senior quarterback Grey Ernat completed a 9-yard pass to senior tight end Jaron Morscheiser with 2.3 seconds left on the clock.
Outside of those two drives, La Salle-Peru punted four times, threw one interception, and turned the ball over on downs. The team drove from its own 40-yard line to Carbondale’s 13-yard line late in the third quarter but failed to score. Senior Mac Fenton intercepted Ernat on a fourth-and-four attempt to end the drive.
Carbondale senior quarterback Davin Wooley scored four touchdowns, including three passing and one rushing. He threw explosive passes of 40 and 66 yards. Wooley also escaped pressure and avoided tackles for loss, keeping Terrier drives alive throughout the game. After a 70-yard pass from Wooley to senior receiver Javion Oliver, junior kicker Huck Borrenpohl converted a 21-yard field goal to give Carbondale a 24-0 lead at halftime.
La Salle-Peru coach JJ Raffleson said the team struggled to move the ball offensively, which created difficult situations on defense. He noted that while the run defense performed well, the team could not generate enough pressure to stop Wooley’s scrambles. Raffleson described the season’s leadership as the defining trait of the group.
Carbondale coach Bryan Lee said the shutout by the starting defense gave Wooley the confidence to play loosely. Lee explained that knowing the defense would regain possession allowed Wooley to avoid forcing throws. The Cavaliers finish the season with a 6-6 record after winning their first playoff game in 23 years against Galesburg in the opening round.
Raffleson said he is in his second year leading the program and looks forward to future seasons. He credited the seniors with laying the foundation for the team’s continued development.
