Aquinas hosted its first game in its newly constructed stadium Friday night against Bryan County out of Savannah. With the stands packed to the brim, the Fightin’ Irish put on a show, dominating the game with a 42-20 victory.
The Fightin’ Irish had called their former stadium home since 1977, their final game in the former stadium came last August as they beat Jefferson County 49-20. Aquinas finished the 2023 season playing all their home games at Greenbrier High School.
Fans were eagerly waiting for this first game, and it showed as they all piled into their own stadium for the first time in over a year.
The $8 million project not only featured a new stadium and field for football, boys soccer, and the back-to-back state champion girl’s soccer program. It also featured a new baseball field, a practice football field, an athletic training room and an updated concessions space.
As for head football coach James Leonardm, he’s excited not to have to travel to their “home” games anymore.
“The new facility is huge for us,” Leonard said. “Now that we have turf, the weather is not messing us up. We can practice whenever we want without tearing the field up.”
Aquinas will also open its grass practice field to all of its feeder schools to practice at.
As far as the actual action on the field, the Fightin’ Irish’s offense shone early with Davidson quarterback, Jim Franklin, connecting with receivers, Jack Rhodes and Billy Barrett, each having long touchdown catches in the first half.
The Irish capitalized off of multiple Bryan County turnovers in the first half. Junior linebacker, Greg Doman had a 45-yard fumble recovery touchdown early in the second quarter. Sophomore linebacker, Whit Hankinson had an interception of his own late in the second quarter.
Junior running back, Christian Kates, seemed unstoppable as he collected two rushing touchdowns and a multitude of receiving yards from Franklin.
“He answered the challenge for sure,” Leonard said. “He ran tough, and it was fun to see him and the offensive line stepping up.”
The defense found a way to stop Bryan County’s t-formation rushing attack by forcing multiple fumbled snaps and, keeping the Redskins running game to a minimum.
“We challenged our defense after last week,” Leonard stated after the game. “They answered the calls, and we figured out what we have to do for the rest of the season.”
The second half did not feature as much of the high-powered Irish offense as the first. However, junior running back, Joaquin Peralta, was handed the reins of the offense and scored a rushing touchdown to add to the lead.
Peralta has been fighting injuries, so Friday night was the first time in this young season he’s had the chance to be on full display.
“That’s the first time we have seen him live,” Franklin said. “It was very encouraging to see him play like that, and I think he has a bright future with us.”
Bryan County did manage to score three separate rushing touchdowns while a majority of Aquinas’ starters were sidelined for the night.
Sophomore superstar linebacker, Jaden Wuerth, had fans worried after leaving the game with an ankle injury early in the second half. Thankfully, according to Leonard, it was nothing serious, and he will be ready to roll for next week’s game.
After a bye week, the Irish will keep the momentum going at home, gearing up to face their first Region 4-AAA opponent, Hephzibah (1-1), on September 6.
Laney (1-1) knocked off the Rebels 30-21 Friday night to earn its first win of the season.
