O’Dea Edges Eastside Catholic in Thrilling Class 3A Semifinal

Seattle, WA – It was a classic rematch that had everyone talking. The No. 2 seed O’Dea Fighting Irish faced off against the No. 3 Eastside Catholic Crusaders in a highly anticipated WIAA semifinal game at Seattle’s historic Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The atmosphere was electric as both teams sought to advance to the state championship.

The Fighting Irish came into the game with a chip on their shoulder, having lost to Eastside Catholic earlier in the season, 20-0. However, it was O’Dea who emerged victorious this time, securing a narrow 17-14 win over their rivals.

It was a tough, defensive showdown, but it was the offensive play of Uriah Stringfield that made the difference. He rushed for an impressive 301 yards on 34 carries, leading the Fighting Irish’s ground attack. Quarterback Jordan Leverett completed 5 of 13 passes for 95 yards, including a crucial touchdown pass that showcased a spectacular play by Zander Banchero, who caught a pass and sprinted 59 yards for the decisive score with just 27 seconds left in the game.

On the other side, Eastside Catholic’s Jeremiah Burroughs also had a standout performance, rushing for 152 yards and scoring a touchdown. The game featured some dramatic moments, including a pick-six by Carson McKelheer, which briefly gave Eastside Catholic the upper hand.

As the game progressed, O’Dea’s defense held strong after allowing an early touchdown, and the team’s resilience shone through. They went into halftime trailing, but with strategic adjustments, they showed grit in the second half.

O’Dea’s final scoring play was set up by a significant field goal from Livingston, who made a 34-yard kick to maintain the lead. With the victory, O’Dea moves on to the championship game and continues to uphold their reputation as a powerhouse in high school football.

This thrilling semifinal was not just another game but a renewal of a fierce rivalry that added to the legacy of both programs. As we await the next matchup in the WIAA playoffs, it’s clear that fans are in for an exciting finish to the football season.