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Coach T’s 21 for 21 - WCAC Championship vs DeMatha in 2018
In the final installment of Gonzaga Football's video series called "Coach T's 21 for 21" where the program has released weekly videos to celebrate the most significant victories under Head Coach Randy Trivers, we conclude with arguably "The Greatest Game Ever Played." Click here to see the full schedule and list of games.
One week after defeating arch rival St. John's in dramatic fashion in the WCAC Semifinal, the Eagles took on DeMatha at Catholic University in search of Gonzaga's first WCAC football title since 2002. Gonzaga came back from a 20-0 deficit early in the second quarter to trail 26-14 at halftime. Gonzaga dominated play in the third quarter, but gave up a quick scoring drive to the Stags to end the quarter and trailed 33-21 heading in to the final frame. Early in the fourth quarter, DeMatha added a field goal to extend their lead to 36-21 with just under 8 minutes left in the game.
Gonzaga's offense, powered by sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams '21, scored to make it 36-27 -- but a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the deficit at a two score game. Senior Defensive End Joseph Wete '19 caused a much needed fumble just three plays later, and Captain Aaron Davis '19 recovered giving the Eagles life. Williams was in the end zone moments later making it 36-33. Gonzaga missed the extra point.
With three minutes left and all of his timeouts, Coach Trivers did not elect to go for the onsides kick -- and it paid off. The defense forced a punt and Gonzaga was in position to win the game with just under 2 minutes left. After an unbelievable conversion on 3rd and 33 and a seemingly go-ahead touchdown catch by Dean Engram '19 that was waved off, senior wide receiver Sam Sweeney '19 caught a slant pass for a touchdown to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, 40-36 with just :29 on the clock. The lead was short lived, however, as DeMatha returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, making it 43-40.
With 15 seconds remaining, Gonzaga awaited the DeMatha kickoff with 1 final opportunity to pull off a miracle. After a kick return to the 34 yard line and a pass to the 47 yard line, Gonzaga was down to its final play with 4 seconds remaining. Whether you believe God is or isn't purple, one must consider God's influence on the masterpiece played on November 18, 2018. "The Throw" and "The Catch" sealed the deal, making Gonzaga the 46-43 winner of simply "The Greatest Game Ever Played."
This video shows a glimpse into the preparation leading up to the epic night in NE Washington, DC at the Catholic University of America, as well as a the full game recap. It commemorates the Championship win and airs on Saturday, November 29, 2020 at 2 PM across all of the @GonzagaTDC social media accounts:
#HailGonzaga #NowEmbraceFinish #AMDG
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One week after defeating arch rival St. John's in dramatic fashion in the WCAC Semifinal, the Eagles took on DeMatha at Catholic University in search of Gonzaga's first WCAC football title since 2002. Gonzaga came back from a 20-0 deficit early in the second quarter to trail 26-14 at halftime. Gonzaga dominated play in the third quarter, but gave up a quick scoring drive to the Stags to end the quarter and trailed 33-21 heading in to the final frame. Early in the fourth quarter, DeMatha added a field goal to extend their lead to 36-21 with just under 8 minutes left in the game.
Gonzaga's offense, powered by sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams '21, scored to make it 36-27 -- but a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the deficit at a two score game. Senior Defensive End Joseph Wete '19 caused a much needed fumble just three plays later, and Captain Aaron Davis '19 recovered giving the Eagles life. Williams was in the end zone moments later making it 36-33. Gonzaga missed the extra point.
With three minutes left and all of his timeouts, Coach Trivers did not elect to go for the onsides kick -- and it paid off. The defense forced a punt and Gonzaga was in position to win the game with just under 2 minutes left. After an unbelievable conversion on 3rd and 33 and a seemingly go-ahead touchdown catch by Dean Engram '19 that was waved off, senior wide receiver Sam Sweeney '19 caught a slant pass for a touchdown to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, 40-36 with just :29 on the clock. The lead was short lived, however, as DeMatha returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, making it 43-40.
With 15 seconds remaining, Gonzaga awaited the DeMatha kickoff with 1 final opportunity to pull off a miracle. After a kick return to the 34 yard line and a pass to the 47 yard line, Gonzaga was down to its final play with 4 seconds remaining. Whether you believe God is or isn't purple, one must consider God's influence on the masterpiece played on November 18, 2018. "The Throw" and "The Catch" sealed the deal, making Gonzaga the 46-43 winner of simply "The Greatest Game Ever Played."
This video shows a glimpse into the preparation leading up to the epic night in NE Washington, DC at the Catholic University of America, as well as a the full game recap. It commemorates the Championship win and airs on Saturday, November 29, 2020 at 2 PM across all of the @GonzagaTDC social media accounts:
#HailGonzaga #NowEmbraceFinish #AMDG
Celebrating 200 Years of Jesuit Education in the Nation's Capital
