Recap: With scrapes on his biceps and black smudges on his white jersey, Rochester Lourdes senior linebacker Paul Schroeder looked the part of his team's leading tackler.

A year after watching New London-Spicer's defense make big plays in a semifinal victory, Schroeder and his teammates took control of the rematch. Lourdes slowed New London-Spicer's ground game to 3.4 yards per carry and intercepted three passes in a 35-14 victory in the Class 3A title game.

"We excelled up front and pushed them back," said Schroeder, credited with nine tackles and one sack. "To come back after last year — it's just incredible."

Senior Zach Hillman carried the Lourdes offense, rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including one 1 minute and 36 seconds before halftime that put Lourdes ahead for good.

Key of the game: New London-Spicer coach Dan Essler said Lourdes fourth-and-2 conversion on its second scoring drive "really took us down emotionally." The Eagles built a 14-0 lead and the Wildcats were forced to play catch up.

The quote: "I don't know if you can say that. The line was incredible. We had guys fighting through injuries. They gutted it out." — Hillman, deflecting credit for picking up all 84 yards on the drive that put his team ahead 28-14 in the third quarter.

One thing to know: New London-Spicer, which lost in the Prep Bowl last season, returned after graduating 18 starters. Essler praised his guys for a memorable run despite "almost a complete lineup changeover."

David LA Vaque