Athlete of the Week: Jake Purichia

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Cardinal Ritter quarterback Jake Purichia made history on Friday as he led his team to a 56-33 win over Chatard for the first time in 25 years.

“It’s awesome,” said Purichia. “All the coaches had been saying ‘Hey, it’s been 25 years since we’ve done it,’ and just to be part of the team that did it, it’s really great.”

The Raiders couldn’t have done it without Purichia; he dominated in all facets of the game. He passed for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns then ran for 126 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“He was on fire,” said Ty Hunt, Cardinal Ritter Head coach. “Throw a little gasoline on him and it would’ve started. It was a good night for him.”

The win also had extra special meaning for Purichia. That game 25 years ago when Ritter last beat Chatard, his dad Vince was the quarterback.

“Last year they were talking about it, like the last team to beat them was your dad, you need to go out and do it,” said Purichia. “I mean it’s awesome just having a relative being the last person to go beat them.”

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” added Jake’s dad Vince Purichia. “It’s tough on Fridays to approach it as a dad. I don’t get the luxury to enjoy it like a fan, but I was definitely proud of him and all the guys the way we came out and played a great Chatard team.”