After last year’s 6-0 win in overtime over St. X, the Purples knew they would have their hands full as they made the trip up I-65 to take on the Tigers once again. Since Bowling Green got St X on the schedule again in 2010, the Purples had broken off 4 straight wins in the series, the longest such streak held against St X by a public school in Kentucky. But a brand new offense, with a very large offensive line, would pose a new challenge for the Purples.
The Tigers hit the board early, as Blake Roshkowski returned the opening kickoff all the way back for a touchdown. The Purples offense would struggle early, as they were able to move the ball against the Tiger defense, but wasn’t able to sustain drives long enough to get points. 3 turnovers (all fumbles) in the first half, along with some timely sacks by St. X, kept the Purples out of the end zone until late in the first half, when Clark Payne found DeAngelo Wilson, who fought his way 18 yards for the score. The extra point would be blocked, and the Purples still found themselves in a hole 6-24. But the Tigers were not done, as Roshkowski would find paydirt again, this time on a 25 yard run. Bowling Green would head to the break down 6-31.
But the in the second half, the Purples showed signs of life, as an eight minute drive to start the third quarter ended with another Clark Payne TD pass, finding Luke Brown for the score. After the Purples D forced a quick three and out, the offense went to work again. Taking the possession into the fourth quarter, Jacob Yates would reach the endzone to make it a two score game. The two point try would come up short, leaving BG down 19-31. But that would be as close as the Purples would get, and Roshkowski would score two more times, on a nine yard run and a 67 yard punt return. The final score, Bowling Green 19, St. X 45.
No time to rest for the Purples, as historic rival and new region opponent Owensboro visit the El next week. Can Bowling Green rebound from the loss in time to take down the Red Devils? Tune in next week to find out!
