By: Xavier Poole

Some wins are impressive because of the score. Others are remembered because of the players who step up when their team needs them most. On Friday night at Rash Stadium, Tre Shemwell became that player, helping Owensboro defeat St. Xavier 24-7 in a season opener filled with adversity, big plays and two game-changing pick-sixes.

The night changed early when senior quarterback DaMarcus Ganaway Jr. was sidelined with an injury. Ganaway, one of the biggest pieces of Owensboro’s championship offense, is expected to miss approximately six weeks, leaving the defending state champions without their starting quarterback for a significant portion of the season.

With Ganaway Jr. out, sophomore quarterback Tyson Biggs was forced into a huge role against St. X. Biggs showed the composure Owensboro needed, managing the offense and keeping the Red Devils in the game. He faced adversity in the third quarter when St. X forced a fumble on a quarterback run and returned it for a touchdown, cutting Owensboro’s lead to 10-7. The mistake could have changed the momentum of the game, but Biggs and the Red Devils settled back in.

Then came Shemwell.

Shemwell caught a screen pass, made defenders miss and raced 28 yards for a touchdown, giving Owensboro a 17-7 lead late in the third quarter. It was a huge offensive play, but Shemwell was not finished.

St. X put together its best drive of the night in the fourth quarter, reaching the Owensboro goal line with just 1:41 remaining. The Tigers had a chance to make the game interesting, but Shemwell read the quarterback perfectly, jumped the pass and raced 99 yards for his second pick-six of the night.

Game over.

Shemwell’s performance was the definition of a takeover. He scored on offense, created turnovers on defense and delivered the biggest play of the night when Owensboro needed it most. His two defensive touchdowns helped turn a close game into a statement victory.

Another major storyline moving forward is freshman running back Gavin Walker. With Tee Green suffering an injury, Walker is now stepping into the starting running-back role. The freshman will have a much bigger responsibility moving forward, especially with Ganaway Jr. expected to miss several weeks. Owensboro will need its young players to grow up quickly, and Walker now has the opportunity to establish himself as a major piece of the offense.

The Red Devils’ defense ultimately won the night. Owensboro forced turnovers, scored twice on defense and held St. X to just seven points. Even after losing its starting quarterback, the defending state champions refused to fold.

Now Owensboro turns its attention to Christian Academy of Louisville next Friday. The Red Devils will enter the matchup 1-0, but with Ganaway Jr. sidelined and Walker taking over at running back, another major challenge awaits.

Ganaway Jr. went down. Biggs stepped up. Walker got his opportunity. Dillard delivered the first pick-six. Shemwell delivered the dagger—and then delivered another one 99 yards later.

The final score: Owensboro 24, St. X 7.

Friday night belonged to the defense.

Friday night belonged to Tre Shemwell.

Shemwell said game over