Men´s
 Baseball
 Basketball
 Cross Country
 Football
 Golf
 Ice Hockey
 Soccer
 Tennis
 Track
 Volleyball
 Wrestling

Women´s
 Basketball
 Cheerleading
 Cross Country
 Golf
 Gymnastics
 Soccer
 Softball
 Swimming
 Tennis
 Track
 Volleyball

Intramurals
Boosters Club
Conferences
Directions
 

2002 Football Results

* - indicates Catholic Metropolitan Conference White game.
BOLD CAPS indicate home game at Spartan Stadium, 700 Ashland Avenue (at Joe Orr Road) in Chicago Heights.

2002 awards, honors

Catholic Metropolitan Conference White All-Conference
Ryan Williams (wide receiver)
Calvin Rowe (defensive back)
Chris Rodriguez (running back)
Kyle Fischer (offensive line)
Steve Koenig (linebacker)
Joe Grubisic (quarterback)
Star Newspapers All-Area
Ryan Williams (wide receiver)
Steve Koenig (linebacker)
   Calvin Rowe (special mention, defensive back)
   Chris Rodriguez (special mention, running back)
   Joe Grubisic (honorable mention, quarterback)
   Milan Curry (honorable mention, wide receiver)
   Collin McKillip (honorable mention, defensive back)
   Adam Pack (honorable mention, linebacker)
   Dan Pack (honorable mention, linebacker)
   Kyle Fischer (honorable mention, offensive line)
   Adam Bohlen (honorable mention, defensive line)
   Tim Kelly (honorable mention, offensive line)
   Andy Lietz (honorable mention, tight end)
Shrine All-Star Game Selection
Ryan Williams (wide receiver)
The Illinois Times All-Area
   Steve Koenig (linebacker)
   Calvin Rowe (defensive back)
   Adam Pack (second team, linebacker)
   Joe Grubisic (honorable mention, quarterback)
   Chris Rodriguez (honorable mention, running back)
   Ryan Williams (honorable mention, wide receiver)

GAME 9:  Carmel 43, Marian Catholic 7

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
Records: Carmel 8-0; Marian Catholic 6-2
CMC White: Carmel 5-0; Marian Catholic 3-2.
Streaks: Corsairs- 8 wins; Spartans- 1 win.
Last week: Carmel 28, St. Rita 20; Marian Catholic 26, Fenwick 7.
Week 10: Both teams have qualified for the IHSA playoffs.
Last year: Carmel 31, Marian Catholic 3.
The series: Last year's decision halted a three-game Marian win streak in the series, but the Spartans still hold the overall edge at 9-4.
Notes: Marian has blanked three of its last five opponents in the second half. . . The Spartans are seeking a seven-win season for the 10th time since 1990. . . Marian has passed for a touchdown in each of its eight contests, but the team to rush for more yards is 8-0 in Spartan games. . . Friday's contest will feature Senior Recognition Night for players, cheerleaders and parents. . . Both of Marian's representatives in the NFL led their teams to big wins last week. John Holecek had a pair of tackles to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 30-0 win over Carolina and Rodney Harrison improved his totals to 14 tackles, five assists for the first place San Diego Chargers (6-1).

Marian (6-3) ripped by Corsairs

     Host Marian Catholic ran off 16 plays before Carmel had its first offensive snap on Friday night. All the  Spartans had to show for it on Senior Night was a 7-0 deficit.
     That was the kind of night it would turn into for Marian, as the Corsairs scored the first three times they did get their hands  on the ball en route to a 43-7 Catholic Metropolitan Conference White victory and a perfect regular-season at 9-0.
     Despite dropping three of four after a 5-0 start to finish 6-3, Marian will  join Carmel in awaiting a call for the IHSA playoffs on Saturday night.
     The Marian defense did not force a punt all night and the offense managed just a 1-yard touchdown from Daniel Johnson.
     With starting tailback Chris Rodriguez ailing, the Marian offensive line did an admirable job in leading a ground attack that churned out nine first-downs in the opening half.
     Behind Gary Downing, Tim Kelly, Kyle Fischer, Jon Scudella and Dan Kwiatkowski, the Spartans got 48 yards rushing each from Johnson and Evan White (both on 14 carries). However, Carmel gained a  333 to 101 overall advantage on the ground as the better rushing team improved to 9-0 in Marian contests this season.
     "We didn't play that badly at times tonight," White assessed.  "Physically, I think we could play with them, but we didn't do it for four quarters. They're a great team and the played very well, but we made some costly mistakes in key situations tonight."
     A 29-yard pass from Mike Jedlicka to Bryan Smith set up the 1-yard scoring plunge by Johnson, as Marian pulled to within 14-7 at the conclusion of one quarter. However, Carmel found the end zone  two more times to take a 28-7 cushion into halftime.
     Only a pair of fumble recoveries by Calvin Rowe seemed to thwart the Corsairs on Friday, as Carmel didn't need more than seven plays on  any of its six touchdown drives.
     The visitors only got tougher after the break, as Marian was limited to 32 rushing yards and 20 passing yards to go with two first downs in the second half.
     Carmel relied on a modest passing attack that netted 123 yards, along with a three-pronged rushing attack. Jon Popovitch led Carmel with 115 rushing yards and a score, while quarterback Mark  Venegoni rushed for 71 yards and a score to go with two touchdown passes. Mike Serio added 65 rushing yards.
     Marian had passed for a touchdown in every contest, but managed only 82 yards  through the air on Friday. Ryan Williams caught four passes for 29 yards.
     With a 6-3 mark, the Spartans will enter the playoffs for the 15th time.
     "We just have to  go right back into practice and keep working hard," White explained. "Now, it's time to get ready for the playoffs. We'll remember this game for a long time, but now we have to approach it as a new season."

SCORING
C- Jack Simmons recovered block punt in end zone (Chris Miller kick), 10:47 first.
C- Sean Walker 17-yard pass from Mark Venegoni (Miller kick), 3:23 first.
MC- Daniel Johnson 1-yard run (Tim Rhoads kick), 0:27 first.
C- Simmons 14-yard pass from Venegoni (kick failed), 10:13 second.
C- Venegoni 1-yard run (Miller run), 3:49 second.
C- Miller 21-yard field goal, 5:51 third.
C- Jon Popovitch 3-yard run (kick failed), 10:50 fourth.
C- Jim Magna 12-yard run (kick failed), 2:21 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: C- Venegoni 6 of 9, 123 yards, 2 TD; Simmons 0 of 1, 0 yards. MC- Mike Jedlicka 9 of 19, 82 yards, 3 INT.
   Rushing: C- Popovitch 19-115 (TD), Venegoni 5-71 (TD), Mike Serio 4-65, Josh Robinson  4-65, Magna 3-28 (TD), Steve Stanchuck 3-12, Roberto Martinez 2-7, Travis Mumm 1-5. MC- Johnson 14-48 (TD), Evan White 14-48, Matt Harris 2-9, Jedlicka 7-(minus 4)..
   Receiving: C- Miller 2-42,  Serio 1-37, Walker 2-30 (TD), Simmons 1-14 (TD). MC- Ryan Williams 4-29, Bryan Smith 1-29, Andy Lietz 1-20, Mike Lennie 2-9, White 1-(minus 5).
   Interceptions: Carmel- Walker, Dexter Reid, Pat Lynch.

Catholic Metropolitan Conference- White Division

GAME 8:  Marian Catholic 14, Fenwick

Kickoff: 12 p.m. Sunday at Oak Park High School.
Where: 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Records: Marian Catholic 5-2; Fenwick 4-3.
CMC White: Marian 2-2; Fenwick 3-1.
Streaks: Spartans- 2 losses; Friars- 3 wins.
Last week: Mount Carmel 36, Marian 14; Fenwick 16, Notre Dame 10.
Week 9: Carmel at Marian (Fri.); Fenwick at Mount Carmel (Sat.)
Last year: Fenwick 21, Marian Catholic 0 (Prep Bowl).
The series: Fenwick owns a 2-1 series lead with all three decisions coming in Prep Bowl contests.
Notes: Marian has allowed just seven first-quarter this season. . . The Spartans need one more victory to secure their 15th overall IHSA playoff bid. . . Marian has passed for a touchdown in each of its seven contests, but the team to rush for more yards is 7-0 in Spartan games. . . The final regular-season home game on Oct. 25 vs. Carmel will feature Senior Recognition Night for players, cheerleaders and parents.

Marian (6-2) bound for playoffs

     Adversity certainly jumped in the path of Marian Catholic's football team this week.
    After earlier losses of running back Travis Bushnell and quarterback Joe Grubisic, Sunday's first half saw Marian lose another receiver and offensive lineman.
     Led by first-time starting quarterback Mike Jedlicka, however, Marian used some clutch offensive performances and a stingy defense to stare down adversity and secure a third IHSA playoff berth in four years with a 26-7 Chicagoland Metropolitan Conference  White victory at Fenwick.
     With the Marian defense pitching a second-half shutout, Jedlicka connected with Ryan Williams for their second scoring strike and Chris Rodriguez ran for two scores as the Spartans (6-2, 3-2) pulled away from a 7-7 halftime stalemate.
     "It was a fun week of practice getting ready because I wanted to make the most of the opportunity," explained Jedlicka, who finished with 218 passing yards and no interceptions.
     "It was a tough week because Joe and I are very good friends, but he knew he could be confident with me stepping in for him. We just  had to work a lot on the timing. For the most part, we prepared well for a very important game."
     Other than a 44-yard scoring drive set up by a Marian penalty, the Spartan defense responded  consistently led by sold play up front from Adam Pack (two sacks), Adam Bohlen, Russell Rivers, Ryan Vaughan, Sean Waldron and Brian Aldeza.
     The Spartan defenders forced eight Fenwick punts,  yielded less than 100 yards in both the air and on the ground (134 overall) and pressured Friar quarterbacks into three interceptions- two by Calvin Rowe and one by Collin McKillip.
     After some dropped passes and blocked field goal forced Marian to settle for a 7-7 halftime tie, the Spartans took command late in the third quarter to halt a two-game losing streak.
     One play after  a 38-yard punt return by Mike Lennie, Rodriguez ran off tackle and kicked it out down the right sideline for a 25-yard touchdown scamper. On Marian's next possession, the Jedlicka to Williams connection gave the  visitors a cushion. Following a 64-yard bomb to give Marian a first-and-goal, Jedlicka hit Williams for a 6-yard scoring strike and 19-7 lead.
     With the Spartan defense allowing just five second-half first downs for Fenwick, Rodriguez added the insurance score on a 45-yard jaunt with 1:40 to play.
     Behind strong blocking from Gary Downing, Noe Arroyo, Tim Kelly, Kyle Fischer  and Jon Scudella, Rodriguez finished with 146 yards on 22 carries. Williams caught four passes for 96 yards and Andy Lietz grabbed three aerials for 78 yards.
     "We knew this was an important one," Jedlicka said of Marian's 15th state playoff bid. "We needed to assure ourselves a spot and not worry about being on the bubble. We knew Fenwick was a tough team, but good preparation got the job done today."

SCORING
MC- Ryan Williams 19-yard pass from Mike Jedlicka (Tim Rhoads kick), 11:24 second.
F- Sean Harmon 1-yard run (Michael D'Agostino kick), 2:43 second.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 25-yard run (kick blocked), 2:58 third.
MC- Williams 6-yard pass from Jedlicka (pass failed), 11:12 fourth.
MC- Rodriguez 45-yard run (Rhoads kick), 1:40 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Jedlicka 11 of 25, 218 yards, 2 TD. F- Michael Buzinski 1 of 4, 19 yards, 1 INT; Rich Krieger 3 of 8, 24 yards, 2 INT.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 22-146 (2 TD), Zach  Denny 2-(minus 2), Jedlicka 5-(minus 10). F- Harmon 20-82, Casey Gough 13-11, Ken Grady 3-9, Jon Woods 6-7, Buzinski 3-(minus 8), Krieger 1-(minus 10).
   Receiving: MC- Williams 4-96 (2 TD), Andy  Lietz 3-78, Rodriguez 2-28, Bryan Smith 1-9, Milan Curry 1-7. F- Gough 2-21, Chris Pisani 1-19, Grady 1-3..
   Interceptions: Marian- Calvin Rowe (2), Collin McKillip.

GAME 7:  Mount Carmel 36, Marian Catholic 14

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
Tickets: Marian will pre-sell tickets through Friday in the Athletic Office and Student Activities (Room 213). Prices are $4 for adults, $2 for Marian students and senior citizens, $3 for other students and $1 for grade-school students.
Records: Mount Carmel 5-1; Marian Catholic 5-1.
CMC White: Mount Carmel 2-1; Marian 2-1.
Streaks: Caravan- 3 wins; Spartans- 1 loss.
Last week: Mount Carmel 31, Loyola 0; Notre Dame 17, Marian Catholic 14.
Week 8: Notre Dame at Mount Carmel (Sat.); Marian at Fenwick (Sun.).
Last meeting: Mount Carmel 31, Marian 7 (1999 5A state title game).
The series: The Caravan has won all eight meetings, including two in the IHSA playoffs.
Notes: Marian has outscored the opposition, 130-17, in the first half this season. . . The Spartans need one more victory to secure their 15th overall IHSA playoff bid. . . Marian has a passing and rushing touchdown in each of its first six contests. . . The teams are in a three-way tie for second in the CMC White.

Marian (5-2) falls to Caravan

     For the better part of the contest Friday night, host Marian Catholic exchanged blows with powerful Mount Carmel  on even ground. The Spartans forged a 14-14 halftime tie and were within a touchdown of the Caravan until the final four minutes of the contest.
     Ultimately, Marian's passing attack couldn't  keep stride with Mount Carmel's physical offensive line. The Caravan churned out 420 yards on the ground and blanked Marian in the second half for a 36-14 Catholic Metropolitan Conference White victory.
     The Spartans' second straight setback left them at 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the loop, but both teams left the field Friday knowing a young Marian team has matured.
      "This has been a big learning experience," said receiver Milan Curry, whose touchdown catch gave Marian an early 6-0 lead. "We lost tonight, but a lot of people didn't have the confidence in us to stay close to them. We  hung with them for a long time. This shows we have a lot of faith in ourselves."
     Marian made believers of the Caravan until the bitter end. Mount Carmel (6-1, 3-1) didn't put away the contest  until four minutes remained when quarterback Dan O'Brien burst into the end zone for his second score and a 28-14 Caravan lead.
     Mount Carmel added another score on Jamie Medlock's 12-yard  run with 0:48 on the clock to make the final outcome look much worse than the competitiveness of the contest.
     Marian battled its visitors on even terms for much of the contest with a potent  passing attack. Junior slinger Joe Grubisic finished 23 of 36 for 239 yards.
    First-half scoring tosses to Curry for 7 yards and Chris Rodriguez for 10 yards allowed Marian to go into the locker  room with a 14-14 tie.
     "We knew it would be tough running against them (44 yards), so we passed well against them in the first half," Curry explained. "But they picked up some of our  tendencies in the second half. We just couldn't get it done in the fourth quarter, but we were trying all the way."
     Curry finished with eight catches for 74 yards, while Ryan Williams also  grabbed eight for 81 yards. Andy Lietz pulled down four passes for 60 yards and Rodriguez three for 37 yards.
     Despite a total of 250 yards through the air, Marian was unable to achieve  balance with the 44 rushing yards on 21 attempts. Grubisic was also sacked four times and both of his interceptions came deep in Caravan territory.
     Mount Carmel marched down the field after  the second-half kickoff for the eventual winning score. O'Brien completed a seven-play, 72-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak for the score.
    Buoyed by a 74-yard touchdown run in the first half, Mount  Carmel's Greg Owens finished with 235 rushing yards on 23 carries. Medlock ran for 102 more.

SCORING
MC- Milan Curry 3-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (kick blocked), 6:36 first.
Mt. C- Bryan Hamey 1-yard run (Kelly Karlen kick), 8:50 second.
Mt. C- Greg Owens 74-yard run (Karlen kick), 6:53 second.
 MC- Chris Rodriguez 10-yard pass from Grubisic (Grubisic to Rodriguez), 1:37 second.
Mt. C- Dan O'Brien 1-yard run (Karlen kick), 9:04 third.
Mt. C- O'Brien 5-yard run (Karlen kick), 4:00 fourth.
Mt. C- Jamie Medlock 12-yard run (Frank Lenti to Brett Kellam), 0:48 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: Mt. C- O'Brien 4 of 7, 48 yards, INT. MC- Grubisic 23 of 36, 239 yards, 2 TD, 2  INT; Mike Jedlicka 1 of 5, 11 yards..
   Rushing: Mt. C- Owens 23-235 (TD), Medlock 11-102 (TD), O'Brien 6-71 (2 TD), Hamey 4-12 (TD). MC- Rodriguez 8-39, Jedlicka 1-18, Evan White 1-(minus 2), Ryan  Williams 1-(minus 2), Grubisic 9-(minus 4), Curry 1-(minus 5).
   Receiving: Mt. C- Ryan Waite 3-37, Scotty Schroeder 1-11. MC- Williams 8-81, Curry 8-74 (TD), Andy Lietz 4-60, Rodriguez 3-37 (TD),  White 1-2.
   Interceptions: Jerry Hudson, Mt. Carmel (2); Calvin Rowe, Marian.

GAME 6:  Marian Catholic at Notre Dame

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame High School.
Where: 7655 Dempster Street, Niles.
Records: Marian Catholic 5-0; Notre Dame 2-3.
CMC White: Marian 2-0; Notre Dame 0-2.
Streaks: Spartans- 5 wins; Dons- 1 loss.
Last week: Marian 35, St. Patrick 0; Carmel 21, Notre Dame 13.
Week 7: Mt. Carmel at Marian (Friday); Notre Dame at Fenwick (Saturday).
Last year: Marian Catholic 21, Notre Dame 14.
The series: The Spartans have won two straight for a 6-2 series advantage. Each of the last four games have been decided by 10 points or fewer.
Notes: Marian's starting defensive unit has allowed just one touchdown in five games. . . The Spartans are seeking their fifth 6-0 start in school history and first since 1993. . . Marian has a passing and rushing touchdown in each of its first five contests.

Marian (5-1) stunned by Dons

     Just how would Marian Catholic's football team handle adversity?
     The Spartans found out on Friday night when they faced their first deficit of the season.
     Trailing 17-0 at halftime on its Catholic Metropolitan Conference White visit to Notre Dame,  Marian rallied for 14 consecutive points only to see the rally fall short in a 17-14 loss to the Dons.
     The setback left Marian at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in CMC White play.
     Behind a stingy defense keyed by a Collin McKillip interception, Marian had its chances to complete the comeback in the fourth quarter. However, the Dons maintained the lead with help from a  Marian muffed punt and a fumble at midfield.
     The Spartans were able to turn the tables in the third quarter. Marian took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched to a score as Ryan  Williams pulled in an 11-yard Joe Grubisic pass for the Spartans' first points of the night. A Tim Rhoads conversion boot pulled Marian within 17-7 halfway through the third period.
     Marian  scored again in the final seconds of the quarter, as a 58-yard drive culminated in Chris Rodriguez' 3-yard scoring burst to pull the visitors within 17-14 entering the final quarter. A 33-yard connection from Grubisic  to Williams set up the score.
     A deficit was not familiar territory to Marian in building its 5-0 record. The Spartans had led their first five contests by scores of 45-0, 49-0, 41-0, 21-0  prior to an opponent score before last Friday's 35-0 shutout. The 17 first-half points scored by Notre Dame were the first scored against the Spartans in the opening half all year.
     The Dons  (3-3, 1-2) used the foot of Sean Collins to knock Marian from the unbeaten ranks. His 41-yard field goal late in the opening half proved to be the difference in the contest.
     Collins also had  conversion boots after first-half rushing touchdowns from John Cullotta (6 yards) and Josh Piazza (60 yards).
     While a menacing wind helped limit Marian's passing game, the Notre Dame defense  shut down the Spartans' ground game. With Rodriguez leading the way with 45 yards on 20 totes, Marian was limited to just more than 2 yards per carry on the ground for a total of 76 rushing yards.
     Grubisic finished 10 of 17 through the air, as Williams pulled in six pass for 81 yards.
     Meanwhile, the Dons didn't need a passing game that amounted to just two  complete passes for 10 yards. With Piazza leading the way with 123 yards, Notre Dame finished with 207 yard on 40 carries.
    Notre Dame's 17-0 halftime command was an impressive accomplishment, as  Marian had outscored the opposition, 130-0, in the first half through five contests.
 

SCORING
ND- John Cullotta 7-yard run (Sean Collins kick), 3:51 first.
 ND- Josh Piazza 60-yard run (Collins kick), 7:53 second.
ND- Collins 41-yard field goal, 0:02 second.
MC- Ryan Williams 11-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Tim Rhoads kick), 6:02 third.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 3-yard run (Rhoads kick), 0:13 third.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 10 of 17, 137 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. ND- Dan Bukal 2 of 8, 10 yards, 1 INT.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 20-45 (TD), Williams 2-14, Forrest McCain 3-11, Grubisic 6-6, Evan White 1-0. ND- Piazza 11-123 (TD), Cullotta 14-49 (TD), Bukal 15-35.
   Receiving: MC- Williams 6-81 (TD),  Rodriguez 2-26, Andy Lietz 1-22, Milan Curry 1-8. ND- Tom Draths 2-10.
   Interceptions: Collin McKillip (MC); Joe Pauley (ND).

GAME 5:  Marian Catholic 35, St. Patrick 0

Kickoff: 8 p.m. Friday at Chicago's Hanson Stadium.
Where: Fullerton and Central, Chicago.
Records: Marian Catholic 4-0; St. Patrick  2-2.
Streaks: Spartans- 4 wins; Shamrocks- 2  wins.
Last week: Marian  28, Benet 7; St. Patrick 33, De La Salle 26.
Week 6: Marian at Notre Dame (Friday); St. Patrick at Marist  (Friday).
Last year: St. Patrick 32, Marian Catholic 0.
The series: Last year's Shamrock win halted a seven-game Marian win streak in the series, but the Spartans still hold a 7-4 overall advantage.
Notes: Marian is seeking its eighth 5-0 start in school history and first since  1993. . . The Spartans have scored 28 or more points in four  consecutive games only three other times in school history. .  . In four games, Marian has outrushed its foes by an average of 225 yards to 30 yards.

Marian (5-0) blanks Shamrocks

     With the Marian Catholic offense racking up record-setting numbers this season, the Spartan defense has been overshadowed at times while doing a very consistent job.
    "Every week we go into the game with a zero (shutout) as one of our defensive goals," explained junior defensive back Collin McKillip. "Today, we underlined that zero, circled it and put stars all around it."
     The Marian defense had a number of stars on Friday, backing up a balanced offensive attack en route to a 35-0 nonconference victory over St. Patrick at Chicago's Hanson Stadium.
     The win was Marian's eighth in the last nine games against the Shamrocks (2-3) and avenged a 32-0 setback last year at Hanson. The 5-0 start is the Spartans' best since 1993 when the won the Class 4A state championship.
     McKillip's work on special teams ignited the Spartans on Friday, as his blocked punt gave the visitors their first start of the night on the St. Patrick 32-yard line. It took Marian just four plays to hit paydirt, as Joe Grubisic hit a diving Andy Lietz with a 24-yard scoring toss and 7-0 lead with less than four minutes gone in the contest.
     Grubisic would score three more times on sneaks as Marian kept the Shamrocks off  balance with a mix of run and pass. Yet, as it has on so many occasions, the Marian defense left the offense in great position throughout the night.
     "It really feels great to finally get the shutout because we've played so well," McKillip said. "It's great to finally get one and now we're 5-0. We haven't been 5-0 since the year we won a state championship, so that feels pretty good too."
     The Marian defense yielded just six first downs for the game and allowed the Shamrocks into Marian territory just twice- the second time on a fake punt. Superb play in the secondary from McKillip, Calvin Rowe, Marquis Pittman, Zack LoMonaco and Jerrell Wilkinson (interception) limited St. Patrick to just 36 yards through the air.
     The excellent coverage also helped provide sacks for Ryan Vaughan and a combined effort from Adam Pack and Sean Waldron.
     "We thought they would run a lot of options and dives," McKillip explained. "But they tried to open it up on us and we didn't give them many passes at all."
     Courtesy of good field position, Marian scored from long and short range. A pair of 1-yard Grubisic sneaks gave Marian a 21-0 halftime command, then long pass receptions by Milan Curry and Ryan Williams set up the Spartans' two third-quarter touchdowns.
     Grubisic tallied on a 7-yard burst up the middle and tailback Chris Rodriguez (20 carries, 97 yards) bounced outside after going off tackle for a 15-yard touchdown.
     Grubisic finished an efficient eight of 11 for 147 yards, as Williams caught three for 71 yards, Curry two for 42 and Lietz two for 36.
     The Spartans will visit Notre Dame next Friday at 7:30 p.m.

SCORING
MC- Andy Lietz 24-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Tim Rhoads kick), 6:11 first.
MC- Grubisic 1-yard run (run failed), 6:13 second.
MC- Grubisic 1-yard run (Grubisic to Chris Rodriguez), 5:11 second.
MC- Grubisic 7-yard run (Rhoads kick), 8:52 third.
MC- Rodriguez 15-yard run (Rhoads kick), 1:54 third.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 8 of 11, 147 yards, TD; Mike Jedlicka 0 of 2. SP- Brian Crawford 4 of 14, 27 yards, 1 INT; Joseph Costa 1 of 1, 9 yards; David Bilek 0 of 1.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 20-97 (TD), Daniel Johnson 4-16, Grubisic 5-16 (3 TD), Ryan Williams 1-7, Forrest McCain 1-5, Jedlicka 4-5. SP- Michael Benson 8-35, Ryan Hartline 5-24, Crawford 6-20, Jonathan Fitzgerald 2-18, Jakub Koziol 2-6, William Currie 3-4, Daniel Schak 1-1, Erik Jacobson 1-0.
   Receiving: MC- Williams 3-71, Milan Curry 2-42, Lietz 2-36 (TD), Rodriguez 1-(minus 2). SP- John Leonard 1-11, John Denk 1-9, Koziol 1-7, Kenneth Schak 1-5, Hartline 1-4.
   Interceptions: Jerrell Wilkinson (MC).

GAME 4 (HOMECOMING): Marian Catholic 28, Benet  7

GAME 3: Marian Catholic 41, Gordon Tech  6

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marian Catholic's Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
Records: Gordon Tech 0-2;  Marian Catholic 2-0.
Streaks: Rams- 2 losses;  Spartans- 2 wins.
Last week: Woodstock Marian 21,  Gordon 14; Marian  63, Indy Arlington 7.
Week 4: Mount Carmel at  Gordon Tech (Sun.); Benet at Marian (Friday).
The  series: This is the first meeting of the schools.
Notes: Friday will represent the third celebration of Decade of Champions leading up to the 2010 "50 years of football at Marian" celebration. . . Marian is seeking its third 3-0 start in four years. . .The Spartans 108  points in two games is their best two-game scoring output in  school history. . .PLEASE NOTE that Senior Parent Recognition Night has been moved to Friday, Oct. 25 when  Marian hosts Carmel.

Marian (3-0) thumps Gordon Tech

     The Marian Catholic offense is learning to like the way the defense is setting the table.
     For the third consecutive game, the Spartan defense granted the offense outstanding field position. Without traveling more than 57 yards on any scoring drive, Marian Catholic (3-0) found the end zone six times and christened its new home uniforms with a 41-6 Catholic Metropolitan Conference White victory over Gordon Tech.
     Until Joe Grubisic's third touchdown pass of the night ignited a running clock late in the third quarter, the Spartan defense had yielded just 85 total yards and four first downs in building a 41-0 command.
     "In the first half we contained their running back real well," assessed senior defensive leader Adam Pack. "We were able to hold the outside real well and then we got good pressure on the quarterback in the second half. Overall, it was a real good effort."
     In 22 attempts, the Rams (0-3) managed just 28 yards on the ground, as Marian had superb efforts up front from Adam and Dan Pack (sack) , Matt Peebles (sack), Adam Bohlen, Ryan Vaughan and Russell Rivers. Gordon Tech quarterback Josh Hise completed just nine of 21 under constant pressure.
      Despite great field position, the Marian offense still came up with some long strikes on scoring plays of 47, 47, 42 and 34 yards.
     After a punt on their initial possession, Marian struck quickly on its next two.
     Following a 41-yard punt return by Ryan Williams to the Ram 2, Travis Bushnell hit      Paydirt from 2 yards out. The Spartans went 56 yards the next time the touched the ball, the drive culminating in Grubisic's 18-yard touchdown pass to Andy Lietz. Tim Rhoads kicked the second of his five conversion boots and Marian was on its way with a 14-0 command.
     Before the half, Chris Rodriguez scampered 34 yards for a score and 21-0 halftime command to please a robust "Decade of Champions" crowd. Rodriguez finished with 137 yards on 19 carries.
     "We just keep giving the offense great field position and they march right down and score," Pack said. "It's a great plan and it's working."
     Marian put away the Rams by scoring on three of its four third-quarter possessions, as the Spartans never punted the ball again after their first possession of the night.
     Grubisic hit Lietz for another score from 47 yards away, Rodriguez went off tackle and then used his explosive speed for a 42-yard score, then Grubisic found Milan Curry on the fly for a 47-yard bomb and 41-0 bulge.
     Grubisic finished a nifty 7 of 9 for 143 yards and three scores, while Mike Jedlicka also threw for 57 yards. Lietz led all Spartan receivers with four catches for 93 yards.

SCORING
MC- Travis Bushnell 2-yard run (Tim Rhoads kick), 5:55 first.
MC- Andy Lietz 18-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Rhoads kick), 1:12 first.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 34-yard run (Rhoads kick), 3:14 second.
MC- Lietz 47-yard pass from Grubisic (kick failed), 10:31 third.
MC- Rodriguez 42-yard run (Rhoads kick), 3:50 third.
MC- Milan Curry 47-yard pass from Grubisic (Rhoads kick), 1:19 third.
GT- Joe Miller 6-yard pass from Josh Hise (pass failed), 9:26 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
Passing: GT- Hise 9 of 21, 127 yards, 1 TD. MC- Grubisic 7 of 9, 143 yards, 3 TD; Mike Jedlicka 5 of 13, 57 yards; Rodriguez 0 of 1, 1 INT.
Rushing: GT- Joe Wroblewski 17-43, Hise 5-(minus 15). MC- Rodriguez 19-137 (2 TD), Daniel Johnson 11-45, Bushnell 3-16 (TD), Forrest McCain 2-13, Grubisic 1-9.
Receiving: GT- Lonnie Mackey 3-85, Tim Salazar 2-19, Miller 2-9 (TD), Mike Ramirez 1-8, Will Locke 1-6; MC- Lietz 4-93 (2 TD), Ryan Williams 5-38, Curry 1-47 (TD), Rodriguez 2-22.
Interceptions: Ryan Travis (GT).

GAME 2: Marian 63, Indianapolis Arlington 7

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Indianapolis Arlington  High School.
Where: 4825 N. Arlington Ave.,  Indianapolis, Ind. (Yahoo map)
Records: Marian Catholic 1-0;  Arlington 1-1.
Last week: Marian 45, Hales 14; Lawrence North 70, Arlington 6.
Week  3: Gordon Tech at Marian (Friday, Decade of Champions).
The series: This is the first meeting of the schools.
Notes: Marian Catholic head coach Dave Mattio and assistant Bob Bergstrom won their 201st  contest (201-83) with last week's win over Hales. . . The Spartans are seeking a 2-0 start for the third time in four years. . . Marian's last contest vs. an out-of-state school  resulted in 36-20 nonconference victory over Gary Wirt in  1989. . . PLEASE NOTE that Senior Parent Recognition Night has been moved to Friday, Oct. 25 when Marian hosts  Carmel.

Marian rolls past Indy Arlington

     INDIANAPOLIS- Marian Catholic used its defense to help ignite the offense Friday night as the Spartans made a long ride well worthwhile with a 63-7 nonconference victory over Arlington High School to give the visitors their third 2-0 start in four years.
     The 63 points is a Marian school record.
     Collin McKillip proved to be a catalyst on special teams for Marian, as the junior safety blocked a punt to lead to a touchdown and recovered a fumble on a kickoff to ignite another scoring drive. Meanwhile, Steve Koenig recovered the blocked punt in the end zone for a score and later added a touchdown on a 45-yard interception return.
     "We really contained their quarterback and that helped us control the game," Koenig said. "We didn't allow him any room. Causing the turnovers on defense and getting some touchdowns on defense got everyone going and kept us excited the whole game."
     Junior quarterback Joe Grubisic moved the Spartans well in the opening half, opening the scoring with a 1-yard plunge, hitting Milan Curry with a 62-yard scoring toss and Forrest McCain with an 8-yard touchdown pass to help Marian to a 35-0 halftime command.
     "The defense gave us good field position all night," Grubisic praised. "Then we pounded the ball down the field behind some great line play. The defense put some points on the board and made our job so much easier tonight."
     Koenig added a first-half score when he pounced on McKillip's blocked punt in the end zone and Travis Bushnell cashed in on another Arlington turnover with his 1-yard scoring run. Tim Rhoads booted three conversion kicks for Marian in the opening half.
     The Spartans added to their lead as several reserves got opportunities in the second half. Mike Jedlicka fired a 17-yard touchdown pass to Curry in the third quarter and Chris Rodriguez scampered 28 yards for a score as the Marian lead swelled to 49-0.
     Marian's fourth-quarter scores came on a 1-yard run by Daniel Johnson and Koenig's interception return.
     The Spartans' balanced rushing attack totaled 261 yards, as Rodriguez rushed for 78 yards, Bushnell for 69 yards and Johnson 68 more. Marian attempted just seven passes with three going for touchdowns.

SCORING
MC- Joe Grubisic 1-yard run (Tim Rhoads kick), 4:09 first.
MC- Steve Koenig recovered blocket punt in end zone (kick failed), 2:11 first.
MC- Milan Curry 68-yard pass from Grubisic (Grubisic to Philip Cherry), 5:46 second.
MC- Travis Bushnell 1-yard run (Rhoads kick), 3:30 second.
MC- Forrest McCain 8-yard pass from Grubisic (Rhoads kick), 1:20 second.
MC- Curry 17-yard pass from Mike Jedlicka (Rhoads kick), 9:17 third.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 28-yard run (Matt Harris kick), 1:20 third.
A- DeRon Jenkins 32-yard pass from Marcus Minor (Santo Uribe kick); :43 third.
MC- Daniel Johnson 1-yard run (Harris kick), 5:23 fourth.
MC- Koenig 45-yard interception return (Harris kick), 2:43 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
Passing: MC- Rodriguez 13-78 (TD), Bushnell 11-69 (TD), Johnson 10-68 (TD), Harris 4-16; A- Kevin Summers 5-15, Jerry Townsend 4-11.
Rushing: MC- Grubisic 2 of 3, 76 yards, 2 TD; Jedlicka 2 of 4, 39 yards, TD. A- Minor 4 of 11, 55 yards, TD; David Squires 2 of 4, 16 yards, INT.
Receiving: MC- Curry 2-87 (2 TD), Ryan Williams 1-20, McCain 1-8 (TD). A- DaJuan Marshall 4-31; Jenkins 1-32 (TD), Squires 1-8.
Interceptions: Koenig (MC), TD.

GAME 1: Marian 45, Hales Franciscan 14

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Hales Franciscan High School.
Where: 4930 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago. (Yahoo map)
2001 records: Marian Catholic  5-6; Hales 3-7.
Last year: Marian 32, Hales 7 (Prep  Bowl).
Week 2: Marian at Indianapolis Arlington  (Fri.); St. Rita at Hales (Sat.).
The series: Last year's meeting represents the first between these schools.
Notes: Marian Catholic head coach Dave Mattio and assistant Bob Bergstrom won their 200th contest (200-83) with last year's win over Hales. . . The Spartans of  Marian have prevailed in five of their last six openers. . .  Marian NFL products Rodney  Harrison(San Diego Chargers) and John Holecek (Atlanta Falcons) will hope to bolster their teams this season. PLEASE NOTE that Senior Parent Recognition Night has been moved to Friday, Oct. 25 when Marian hosts Carmel.

Marian stomps Hales in opener

     It had to be a good sign when Marian Catholic's Ryan Williams exploded for a return of 57 yards on the season's opening kickoff Saturday.
     How true. That was only the beginning of the bad news for host Hales Franciscan.
     The visiting Spartans used three-play drives on their first four possessions to vault to a 26-0 command before five minutes had elapsed in the season. From there, Marian used a dominant effort from its first-unit defense to coast to a 45-0 margin and eventual 45-14 nonconference victory.
     "This effort was what was expected, but it's still great to build momentum right from the start and get the season off on the right foot," explained junior tailback Travis Bushnell. "We did a great job getting things going right away and we've just gotta keep playing this way next weekend in Indianapolis."
     Bushnell's feet were in the right direction Saturday, as he used nine carries for a productive 39 yards and three touchdowns. Marian used quality over quantity in the air too, as starting quarterback Joe Grubisic was 4-for-4 for 66 yards and two scores.
     The Spartans used lightning strikes on Saturday, as none of the six offensive scoring drives necessitated more than five plays. . . or traveled more than 31 yards.
     Grubisic topped off the opening drive with a 32-yard scoring toss to Milan Curry before Tim Rhoads' conversion kick made it 7-0. Hales' next three chances to run an offense resulted in two plays and a fumble and two Marian recoveries of kickoff.
     Before the host team knew what hit it, Bushnell followed Curtis Rich into the end zone from 8 yards out, added a 2-yard score and fullback Evan White hit Paydirt from 3 yards away. In the second quarter, Grubisic hit Andy Lietz for a 15-yard score and Calvin Rowe returned a fumble 37 yards for 39-0 halftime command.
     Led by strong efforts up front from Sean Waldron, Russell Rivers, Keith Munoz, Adam Bohlen and Matt Peebles, the Marian defense was efficient as well. Rowe and Zach LoMonaco added interceptions.
     Courtesy of three sacks, Hales finished with just 2 rushing yards on 18 attempts. After Bushnell's third touchdown from 3 yards away gave Marian a 45-0 lead in a running-clock second half, Hales added consolation passing scores on its final two possessions.
Bushnell led the Spartan rushing attack with 39 yards, as Marian totaled just 202 yards working with short fields most of the afternoon.
     "Our offensive line did an unbelievable job," Bushnell said of the likes of Rich, Tim Kelly, Kyle Fischer and Jon Scudella. "They really got the job done. We have some young people there, but they all played like seniors today."
     Reserve quarterback Mike Jedlicka added 20 rushing yards and 23 passing yards, while Daniel Johnson added 16 rushing yards on six totes. Marian's five pass completions found five different targets.

SCORING
MC- Milan Curry 32-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Tim Rhoads kick), 11:17 first.
MC- Travis Bushnell 2-yard run (kick failed), 10:15 first.
MC- Bushnell 8-yard run (Rhoads kick), 8:01 first.
MC- Evan White 3-yard run (kick failed), 7:05 first.
MC- Andy Lietz 15-yard pass from Grubisic (Matt Harris kick), 8:44 second.
MC- Calvin Rowe 37-yard fumble return (pass failed), 7:30 second.
MC- Bushnell 3-yard run (kick failed), 5:32 third.
HF- Nate Hood 70-yard pass from Adam Taylor (run failed), 1:58 fourth.
HF- Earry Hall 15-yard pass from Taylor (Taylor to Hood), 0:15 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
Passing: MC- Grubisic 4 of 4, 66 yards, 2 TD; Mike Jedlicka 1 of 4, 23 yards. HF- Taylor 9 of 19, 132 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT.
Rushing: MC- Bushnell 9-39 (3 TD), Jedlicka 4-20, Daniel Johnson 6-16, Chris Rodriguez 3-13, Harris 4-10, Grubisic 1-8, White 3-7 (TD). HF- DeAndre Lindsey 7-33, Vince Saunders 3-(minus 1), Taylor 7-(minus 14), Antonio Hughes 1-(minus 16).
Receiving: MC- Curry 1-32 (TD), Philip Cherry 1-23, Lietz 1-15 (TD), Forrest McCain 1-14, Bushnell 1-5. HF- Hall 2-27 (TD), Lenald Mombo 3-16, Hood 2-8 (TD), Lindsey 1-8, Vernon Robinson 1-1.
Interceptions: Zach LoMonaco (MC), Calvin Rowe, (MC).
 

Marian Catholic High School
700 Ashland Avenue
Chicago Heights, IL  60411-2073
Phone: 708-755-7565
Fax: 708-755-0042

Last Modified: Monday, September 12, 2005

Copyright © 1995-2002 Marian Catholic High School
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in any retrieval system, or translated in any form without the written permission of Marian Catholic High School, Inc.