Cuddy Leads Cardinals To Second Win To Start The Season

The St. Mary's Cardinals took advantage of four Clearwater-Orchard turnovers to bring their season record to 2-0, topping the Cyclones 28-16.​

St. Mary's took an early lead, ending the first quarter up 8-0. The Cardinals scored one more time in the second to take a 14-0 lead before Clay Thiele recovered a bad snap in the end zone to tighten the score, 14-8. 

In the second half, St. Mary's began to pull away. They used a consistent run game and effective play-action game to keep the Cyclones on their heels. Two quarterback dives on the goal line by St. Mary's quarterback Josh Cuddy gave the Cardinals a 28-8 lead going into the fourth quarter. 

Cyclone quarterback Blake Hoke added a quarterback dive of his own in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 28-16. A big punt return by Creston Bertschinger gave Clearwater-Orchard hope, but a costly fumble would allow St. Mary's to run the time out on a drive that included two fourth-down conversions.

Cuddy completed 8 of his 9 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown on the night. He also carried the ball 29 times for 78 yards and three more touchdowns. Andrew Thompson hauled in four of those completions for 38 yards while Pete Blumenstock accounted for 51 yards receiving. 

Cuddy also accounted for nine tackles and an interception on defense. Zac Wiese added an interception of his own as well.

Now 2-0 in 2016, the Cardinals turn their focus their game with Wausa next Friday night.