By GEORGE MAHL – Sports Editor

CROWLEY – It seemed like a “Rocky” movie.

The 3A semifinal game between St. Charles Catholic and Menard was filled with many moments of uncertainty in both dugouts. There were many, but three key plays in the game lifted the Comets into the championship game.

A catch by centerfielder Matt Sutton saved the game.

A catch from outfielder Casey Robottom prevented a big inning.

Finally, a solo home run by catcher Jeremy Poche in the tenth inning sent the Comets into the 3A title game with a 4-3 victory.

“These guys have done everything I have asked of them,” said Comets head coach Paul Waguespack.

“They deserve this.”

St. Charles Catholic starting pitcher Jeremy Catoire threw seven and two-thirds of an inning. He gave up three runs and four hits in picking up the victory.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Eagles had runners on first and third with two outs. Justin Lanchey hit a ball to deep center when Sutton leaped and made a spectacular catch saving the Comets and ending the inning.

“I still don’t know how he made that catch,” Waguespack said while shaking his head.

While coming back to the dugout, Comets assistant coach Wayne Stein was vocal to the team.

“If that play doesn’t light fire under your (…) nothing will,” he said.

With two outs in the third, Sutton tripled and scored on a single from first baseman Billie Poche.

The Eagles responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own.

After Justin Lanchey struck out, Fielding James walked and then scored on a double from Ryan Riche, tying the game 1-1.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Comets made two crucial plays that prevented a runner from advancing. With Lee Vandgalick on first, Lanchey attempted to bunt, but failed when he popped out to Catoire. James also tried to bunt, but also popped out to Catoire.

In the top of the seventh, SCC got two runs on the board and seemed on their way to playing in the championship. With Sutton on second and Poche on first, Matt Heltz smashed a single, scoring both Sutton and Poche.

However, in the bottom of the seventh the Eagles came back to tie the game 3-3. Designated hitter Jordan Marks reached base on a single and moved to second on a walk.

A single by Lanchey scored Marks from second. Then, lead-off hitter Chris Juneau hit a sacrifice fly scoring Lee Vandgalick.