RallyNorth.net

The thrill of victory energized the Whittier Tech senior halfback all night long on Thursday. Sanchez dominated Blackstone Valley Tech, ripping up 222 yards and striking for three TDs to lead the 2014 Wildcats to their second Vocational Bowl Large title, 44-8, over the previously 10-1 Beavers.

“That’s just running with a purpose,” said Sanchez. “We wanted to end the season with a ring. It was all about running with heart.”

Entering Thursday night’s action with 932 yards on 163 carries. Sanchez cracked the 1,000-yard barrier in style. He ripped off the right edge then against the grain, finding the end zone 80 yards later on a highlight-reel carry in the second quarter.

“Watching them on film, it looked like we could have a big night on the ground,” said Sanchez, who closes out the campaign with 1,154 yards and 18 TDs on 182 tries. “I got some good blocks, then found those cutback lines. I wound up taking a couple to the house. All night I was thinking about the last Voke title with my brother’s team. Now, I’m a champ like him.”

The triumph ended a brilliant stretch drive by the Cats, who finish at 9-3 after pushing Division 5 North champ Bishop Fenwick to the absolute limit in the sectional semis.

Last night’s collision was a contrast in styles with the Beavers opening things up and throwing 24 passes and the Cats monotonously pounding the football back at them on the ground.

For one quarter, things played out even at 8-8. But the Cats amped up the pass coverage, and Sanchez hit the overdrive button and it was a runaway at half, 30-8.

Senior Connor Bradley ended his career in style, hitting on 7 of 8 passes for 78 yards. Twice, he connected on scores — a perfectly-placed 31-yard bomb to Rob Gramstorff and a one-yard laser beam to Sid Taylor for the other.