by Aeden Alexander, Sports Editor

After traveling to Virginia, St. John Bosco football obliterated Oscar Smith High School 49-0 for their final game before the start of league play.

The notorious Bosco Braves got to travel to the East Coast to match up for their first road game of the year against Oscar Smith, a top ranked program in the state of Virginia. This was a great opportunity for the Braves as it was a chance to show their talent nationwide. The players, coaches, staff and cheerleaders all flew out in hopes to continue the perfect season. 

The game began with Oscar Smith starting with the ball, this was their first taste of what would be a long and disheartening night for their offense. They began with a solid drive down field, but ended up fumbling just before the end zone resulting in the Braves getting the ball.

Bosco wasted no time, scoring a 70-yard rushing touchdown from senior Rayshon “Speedy” Luke. Oscar Smith was then pressured again on offense and resorted to handing the Braves back the ball.

Michigan State commit Katin Houser came into the game at quarterback and quickly found his targets while moving up the field. The drive ended in a quick pass to junior Matayo Uiagalelei for his first of several touchdowns on the night.

Oscar Smith offensively got nothing going as they would continue to get smothered by the Braves stacked defense. Bosco’s other quarterback, Pierce Clarkson, followed up their last drive making two big passing plays, which resulted in finding Matayo again for his second touchdown of the game. This would put the Braves up 21-0.

Bosco’s defense would shine again, executing yet another scoreless drive and regaining possession of the ball for the offense. Houser followed with another impressive drive, ending in yet another touchdown making the score 28-0 in favor of the Braves.

Oscar Smith finally made a decent drive down field gaining yardage, but that was short-lived, as the Braves were able to push them back forcing them to turn the ball over yet again. Bosco tried to score again in the first half, but came up short, moving them into the second half of the game. 

The defense for Bosco continued to make an impact forcing another fumble that the Braves recovered. They swiftly took the ball down field and threw another touchdown extending the lead 35-0.

It would seem as though the offense and defense for Oscar Smith would check out early, with the Braves scoring two more times before the clock ran out. The final score was 49-0 in favor of the visiting Bosco Braves.

This will be the last game for Bosco before they head into league play. They have a bye this week, allowing players to rest and prepare the nation’s most anticipated match-up of the high school football season. The Braves open league play next Friday against the Team in Red.