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2003 Football Games

GAME 9: Marian Catholic 21, St. Patrick 17

Kickoff: 8 p.m. Friday at Hanson Stadium.
Where: Fullerton and Central Avenues, Chicago.
ESCC records: Marian Catholic 6-2; St. Patrick 4-4.
Streaks: Spartans- 2 wins; Shamrocks- 1 win.
Last week: Marian Catholic 20, Benet 19 (ot); St. Patrick 33, Nazareth Academy 6.
Week 10: Marian in Class 6A or 7A playoffs; St. Patrick TBA.
Last year: Marian Catholic 35, St. Patrick 0.
The series: The Spartans have won two of three meetings in the last three years and own an overall series command of 8-4.
Notes: The Shamrocks are fighting for their playoff lives, needing a victory to improve to 5-4 and be eligible for post-season play... Marian will put its perfect 4-0 record on the line; the Spartans have won all of their road games by at least 18 points... the Spartans have tallied a passing touchdown in all eight games this season and have rushed for a score in seven contests... Joliet Catholic (8-0) visits Carmel (8-0) to determine the ESCC crown on Friday, while Marian can secure sole possesssion of third place with a victory... Marian grad Rodney Harrison had 12 total tackles Sunday to help lead the NFL´s New England Patriots to a 19-13 overtime upset of the Miami Dolphins. He leads the Pats in total tackles (58).

Marian (7-2) uses late comeback to foil St. Patrick

    Just like many fans traveling from Chicago Heights, the Marian Catholic offense appeared stuck in traffic for three-plus quarters Friday when the Spartans concluded their ESCC and regular season with a visit to Hanson Stadium to battle St. Patrick.
    But faced with a 10-point deficit and less than six minutes to play, the Spartans moved to the fast lane with the combination of Joe Grubisic to Chris Rodriguez.
    With a pair of drives stretching more than 70 yards in the game´s final minutes, Marian (7-2) overcame a late 17-7 deficit to charge into a home IHSA playoff contest next weekend with a 21-17 comeback thriller over the Shamrocks.
    Using the same combo- and essentially the same play- that had erased an early 7-0 deficit, Grubisic set up one final drive and delivered the winner with 1:29 to play by hitting a streaking Rodriguez down the left sideline on a long bomb.
    "That´s just leadership- we have a great core of seniors," Rodriguez said of the valiant comeback. "We just never gave up. We had a lot of faith in our defense tonight. We did the job at the end, but the defense kept us in the game. The defense held them off and eventually it enabled us to win the game."
    Rodriguez clearly placed credit where it was due.
    Although the Marian defense allowed a 20-yard drive the put St. Patrick (4-5) ahead, 17-7, it also forced a field goal when the Shamrocks were set up with a first-and-goal at the 5. And was the Spartan defense under pressure most of the night?
    It took a brilliant effort on defense, as St. Patrick stymied a Marian offense most of the game to the tune of eight sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and six forced punts.
    Despite the pressure, a Marian secondary of Collin McKillip (interception, blocked field goal), Zack LoMonaco, Daniel Johnson, Joe Siegert and Mike Buxbaum did damage control all night. While Shamrock 1,000-yard rusher Jeremy Stephen finished with 138 yards, the Marian defensive held down St. Patrick in the air and aided three coverage sacks by Tim Kelly, Ryan Vaughan and Jacob Zsuppon.
    In spite of the great defensive work, Marian still faced a 17-7 deficit after St. Patrick turned the Spartans´ fourth turnover into an 8-yard touchdown run by Mark Dietz.
    Marian saw less than a minute elapse on the clock, as Grubisic fired four straight times to Rodriguez on the ensuing drive. After an incomplete pass, the duo connected for 9 yards, then the 52-yard bomb that set up Rodriguez´ 11-yard touchdown catch.
    The second of three conversion kicks by Matt Harris pulled the Spartans to within 17-14 with 4:52 to play.
    Sure enough, the Marian defense forced a three-and-out that led to a punt that set up Marian 75 yards away from the end zone. Grubisic hit Mike Jedlicka and Bryan Smith with passes that positioned the Spartans at their own 40-yard line.
    Third time a charm? Why not. Marian used the carbon copy of its first touchdown and the play the set up the second score, as Grubisic hit Rodriguez down the left sideline and the fleet senior outraced the defense for the winning 60-yard score.
    "We set up trips (three receivers) on the right and I was man-to-man on the left," explained Rodriguez, who also caught a 68-yard TD pass to get Marian on the board in the opening half. "I knew I was man-to-man and just beat him. One time I had to outwrestle him for the ball, but I knew the game was on the line and had to do what we needed to win. In the end, the offensive line also came through when it counted."
    Rodriguez finished with seven catches for 214 yards. Just seven days after setting a school all-time rushing record for longest run from scrimmage (93 yards), he set the all-time mark for receiving yardage in a single game.
    Rodriguez also added 61 rushing yards, while Grubisic finished 14 of 25 for 259 yards.
    The Spartans will now await a likely call for the Class 6A playoffs and open the post season next weekend at home.
    Ironically, Marian was a perfect 5-0 this season in ESCC road contests en route to a third-place finish in the league.
   FRESHMEN: Marian completed a perfect season and undisputed ESCC crown with a 21-14 win over St. Patrick. After a 0-0 halftime stalemate, Marian took the second-half kickoff and in 10 plays marched to a 3-yard touchdown run by Clifton Gordon. The Spartans also scored on a punt return from Aaron Evans and a 30-yard run by Derrick Middleton. Matt Dee added a conversion pass to Jim Lundstrom and Jack McCormick kicked an extra point.

SCORING
SP- Jeremy Stephen 66-yard run (Mark Dietz kick), 3:38 first.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 68-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Matt Harris kick), 8:40 second.
SP- Dietz 20-yard field goal, 8:16 fourth.
SP- Dietz 8-yard run (Dietz kick), 5:44 fourth.
MC- Rodriguez 11-yard pass from Grubisic (Harris kick), 4:52 fourth.
MC- Rodriguez 60-yard pass from Grubisic (Harris kick), 1:29 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 14 of 25, 259 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT. SP- Tom Barrett 6 of 10, 39 yards; Keith Yopchick 5 of 12, 72 yards, 1 INT.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 14-16, Grubisic 15-(minus 36). SP- Stephen 26-138 (TD), Dietz 4-29 (TD), Kevin Golden 6-17, Yopchick 2-(minus 6), Barrett 3-(minus 8).
   Receiving: MC- Rodriguez 7-214 (3 TD), Andy Lietz 3-22, Mike Jedlicka 2-18, Bryan Smith 2-6. SP- John Leonard 3-43, Daniel Bolger 3-34, George Hickey 2-27, Jason Genova 1-15, Golden 1-3, Stephen 1-(minus 3).
   Interceptions: Collin McKillip (MC); Genova (SP).

East Suburban Catholic Conference

GAME 8: Marian Catholic 20, Benet Academy 19 (OT)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marian Catholic High School.
Where: Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
ESCC records: Benet Academy 5-2; Marian Catholic 5-2.
Streaks: Redwings- 2 wins; Spartans- 1 win.
Last week: Benet Academy 17, St. Patrick 7; Marian Catholic 28, Marist 10.
Week 9: Notre Dame at Benet (Sat.); Marian Catholic at St. Patrick (Fri.).
Last year: Marian Catholic 28, Benet Academy 7.
The series: The Spartans have won the last four meetings to take an overall series command of 13-4. Benet´s last victory came in 1997 by a 14-10 margin when the teams split two meetings.
Notes: Friday´s contest could well decide third place in the ESCC, as both teams are 5-2 and trailing unbeated Carmel and Joliet Catholic... Seven of the 10 ESCC teams are still alive for a playoff berth entering week eight... Marian has had a passing touchdown in all seven contests this year, including last week when Joe Grubisic set the single-game school record with 287 passing yards... Benet enters the game with the best defense (58 points allowed) in the ESCC... Although owning a perfect 4-0 mark on the road this year, the Spartans are seeking their first home victory since a Week One thriller over Notre Dame.

Harris, Marian (6-2) solve Benet, 20-19, in overtime

    After missing an extra point and a potential game-winning 21-yard field at the end of regulation, Marian Catholic senior kicker Matt Harris was probably ready to crawl under the school´s "Rock."
    But Harris and his teammates were all smiles when his conversion kick sailed through the uprights to give the Spartans (6-2) a 20-19 overtime victory over Benet Academy (5-3) on Senior Night in Chicago Heights.
    "I was just thinking I failed the team," Harris said of the missed field goal that was essentially a conversion kick. "But I was able to make it up to them and we pulled out the win. I just got the other kick out of my mind. The others had been going through and I knew the last one would too."
    Harris´ heroics salvaged a couple tremendous efforts on Friday.
    Without the overtime recovery, Marian may have wasted a 243-yard rushing effort and 93-yard touchdown jaunt (the longest in Marian history) from tailback Chris Rodriguez. The Spartans also could´ve wasted a stingy defensive showing that yielded only seven Benet first downs and 179 total yards.
    Ironically, Marian´s second home victory of the season came by the same score as its season-opening victory over Notre Dame. . . with the same connection for the winning touchdown.
    Benet followed up a 61-yard punt return by Chris Martin to tie the game late in regulation by using just two overtime plays to take the lead on Aaron Zaluzek´s 2-yard run. However, the snap on the conversion was bobbled and Marian smothered the ball before the Redwings had a chance to recover.
    Things didn´t look good when Spartan quarterback Joe Grubisic was sacked on Marian´s first overtime snap for a 3-yard loss. Yet, Grubisic connected with Bryan Smith in the right corner of the end zone on the next play with the identical play the produced the game- winning score against Notre Dame.
    Unlike the Notre Dame win, Harris had to add the finishing touches Friday to guarantee Marian its fourth playoff appearance in five years and the Spartans´ 16th overall.
    "This gives us great confidence to keep it going into the playoffs," Harris explained. "Now, we´re looking to go 7-2 and we´re on that path.
    "The team was doing a good job and I knew I had to do the job. When I missed the field goal, I was thinking `Oh, my God,´ but we came through when it mattered. I couldn´t have done it without my line."
    Speaking of the line, Marian got a superb performance in the trenches on Friday.
    With an offensive front of Tim Kelly, Dan Kwiatkowski, Keith Clark, Jon Scudella and Evan White providing gaps, the Spartans rushed for 286 yards and compiled 392 yards overall against a Benet team that had allowed an ESCC-stingiest 58 points.
    Meanwhile, the defensive line of Kelly, Ian Turak, Jacob Zsuppon, Brian Aldeza and Noe Arroyo, along with linebacker Brad Wisowaty and Ryan Vaughan, limited the Redwings to 2.6 yards a crack on the ground.
    Even with Marian´s potent passing attack derailed on Friday, the Spartans still outgained Benet via the air, 106 to 104.
    The Spartans tallied first late in the opening quarter on a quick drive that covered 98 yards. After Rodriguez picked up 5 yards to get Marian out of the shadow of its goal line, the Spartan senior outraced everyone down the left sideline for a 93-yard touchdown and 7-0 Spartan lead that carried to halftime.
    In the opening half, Marian limited the Redwings to just two first downs and 48 totals yards as the visitors snapped the ball just 20 times before intermission.
    Benet responded with a 76-yard scoring drive to open the second half, but special teams played a huge role again as the conversion kick was wide right.
    Marian increased its lead to 13-6 with one minute to play in the third quarter as Grubisic stormed in on a 3-yard sneak. But the missed conversion eventually set up the tying score and the overtime session.
    Sophomores: Marian (4-4) jumped to a 28-0 command and held on for a 28-20 victory. 
    Freshmen: Marian (8-0) locked up at least a tie for the ESCC crown with a 25-20 at Benet on Saturday. Derek Middleton scored on two touchdown runs, Clifton Gordon had 150 rushing yards and a score, and quarterback Joe Barker also scored on a sneak. Jack McCormick added a conversion kick, as Marian rebounded from a 20-13 deficit. 

SCORING
MC- Chris Rodriguez 93-yard run (Matt Harris kick), 3:54 first.
BA- Dan LeFevour 13-yard run (kick failed), 7:39 third.
MC- Joe Grubisic 3-yard run (kick failed), 1:00 third.
BA- Chris Martin 61-yard punt return (Jim Marek kick), 3:38 fourth.
BA- Aaron Zaluzek 2-yard run (run failed), OT
MC- Bryan Smith 13-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Harris kick), OT

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: BA- LeFevour 8 of 16, 104 yards. MC- Grubisic 3 of 11, 39 yards, 1 TD; Mike Jedlicka 5 of 10, 67 yards.
   Rushing: BA- LeFevour 14-38 (TD), Matt LeMay 7-15, Zaluzek 4-19, Kyle Gillen 2-8, Martin 2-(minus 5). MC- Rodriguez 19-243 (TD), Grubisic 21-36 (TD), Collin McKillip 1-5, Jedlika 3-2.
   Receiving: BA- Gillen 3-35, Brett Chamernik 2-30, Martin 1-28, Pat Woodring 1-8, LeMay 1-3. MC- Andy Lietz 4-60, Smith 2-27 (TD), Ryan Owens 2-19.
   Interceptions: none.

GAME 7: Marian Catholic 28, Marist 10

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marist High School.
Where: 4200 W. 115th Street, Chicago.
ESCC records: Marian 4-2; Marist 3-3.
Streaks: Spartans- 1 loss; RedHawks- 1 win.
Last week: Joliet Catholic 46, Marian Catholic 23; Benet Academy 14, Marist 7.
Week 8: Benet at Marian Catholic (Fri.); Marist at Notre Dame (Fri.)
Last meeting: Marian Catholic 21, Marist 7 (2001).
The series: The Spartans have won the last three meeting to take an overall series command of 11-2.
Notes: Marian needs one more victory to virtually lock up its fourth playoff berth in the last five years... the Spartans have outscored the RedHawks, 72-27, during their current three-game win streak... Marian has scored a passing touchdowns in each of its six contests this season...  Marist has scored or allowed 10 points or fewer in five of its six games this year... the Spartans will seek their fourth road victory in as many tests this season.

Marian (5-2) uses big plays to throttle Marist, 28-10

    Both teams made a commitment to running the ball when Marian Catholic visited Marist for an East Suburban Catholic Conference test on Friday night.
   But it was a handful of big plays in the passing game that ultimately determined the outcome.
   Marian senior Zach LoMonaco made two of Marian´s three interceptions and quarterback Joe Grubisic set the school record for game passing yards for the second time this season, as the Spartans (5-2) moved to the brink of a playoff berth with a 28-10 victory. Five wins will likely net Marian a playoff berth.
   Grubisic clicked for three passing plays of 57 yards or more, as he finished with 287 yards through the air to break his own yardage mark of 270. The senior signal-caller threw to Andy Lietz (25 yards) for one second-half score and ran 2 yards for another, as Marian pulled away from a slim 14-10 halftime edge.
   Both of Marian´s second-half touchdowns came after pickoffs from LoMonaco.
   "Both times I got a good look at the ball and just wanted to be as aggressive as I could," LoMonaco explained. "Against a good team like this, we knew we had to play with a lot of heart because we knew we had to match their intensity."
   Marian doubled up Marist (3-4) in yardage in the opening half, but had just a slim lead to show for it. In the second half, however, the Spartans got a good push from a defensive front of Jacob Zsuppon, Brian Aldeza, Ryan Vaughan, Russell Rivers, Tim Kelly and Matt Harris.
   The result was limiting the RedHawks to 110 second-half yards, a shutout over the final two quarters and interceptions from LoMonaco and Joey Siegert.
   Meanwhile, Grubisic scrambled and continued to come up with big plays to compliment a 102-yard rushing night from tailback Chris Rodriguez.
   The Spartans converted for first downs five times on third down and once on fourth down, as all of receiver Ryan Owens´ touches for the night resulted in big plays. Owens caught only three passes, but they went for 58, 57 and 22 yards in a 137-yard night. His 57-yarder set up the final Marian score of the night, as the Spartans improved to 12-2 all-time against Marist.
   Marian, which improved to 4-0 on the road this year, never trailed on Friday.
   The Spartans scored on their initial possession, as Rodriguez followed Jon Scudella and Dan Kwiatkowski into the end zone from a yard out to complete an 87-yard march.
   Marist answered with a field goal to make it 7-3, but Marian extended the lead in the second quarter when Grubisic got loose for a 39-yard score on a quaterback sneak.
   The RedHawks trimmed the margin to 14-10 at the intermission, but had their Homecoming spoiled when Marian gained a 464-235 yardage differential for the evening.
   With Rodriguez (20 carries) and Grubisic (75 rushing yards) churning out yards on the ground and Grubisic misfiring on just one pass in the second half, Marian limited the RedHawks to three second-half possessions-- all resulting in interceptions.
   "Our offense is very good if we can put them in a position to score," LoMonaco said. "We know our offense is capable of scoring a lot of points. So we don´t need to go out and get a shutout every night, but we need make the plays to give our offense a chance."
   Grubisic finished an efficient 13 of 20 for 287 yards while hitting four different receivers. Bryan Smith finished with five catches for 87 yards, Andy Lietz made three grabs for 44 yards and Mike Jedlicka pulled in two aerials for 20 yards.
    FRESHMEN: Quarterback Joe Barker threw for 100 yards and Clifton Gordon scored on runs of 21 and 2 yards to lead the Spartans (7-0) to a 21-6 win over Marist. Jack McCormick kicked one extra point and Matt Dee threw a two-point conversion to Jim Lundstrom (two interceptions. Aaron Evans and Steve Azre also picked off passes.

SCORING
MC- Chris Rodriguez 1-yard run (Matt Harris kick), 5:21 first.
Mst- Brian Jachimek 31-yard field goal, 1:14 first.
MC- Joe Grubisic 39-yard run (Harris kick), 6:59 second.
Mst- Brian Palascak 1-yard run (Jachimek kick), 2:32 second.
MC- Andy Lietz 25-yard pass from Grubisic (kick blocked), 1:30 third.
MC- Grubisic 2-yard run (Mike Jedlicka to Lietz), 9:39 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 13 of 20, 287 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Mst- Jeremy Zientek 12 of 23, 132 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 20-102 (TD), Grubisic 12-75 (2 TD). Mst- Palascak 19-90 (TD), Zientek 5-17, Nick Syska 1-0, Dan Brown 1-(minus 3).
   Receiving: MC- Ryan Owens 3-137, Bryan Smith 5-87, Lietz 3-44 (TD), Jedlicka 2-20. Mst- Tom Sullivan 8-95, Donnie Skelly 2-15, Palascak 1-15, George Shaw 1-4.
   Interceptions: Zach LoMonaco (MC), 2; Joey Siegert (MC).

GAME 6 (HOMECOMING): Joliet Catholic 46, Marian Catholic 23

GAME 5: Marian Catholic 49, St. Viator 16

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Forest View Educational Center.
Where: 2121 S. Goubert Road, Arlington Heights.
ESCC records: Marian 3-1; St. Viator 0-4.
Streaks: Spartans- 1 win; Lions- 5 losses.
Last week: Marian Catholic 40, Nazareth 0; Benet Academy 41, St. Viator 8.
Week 6: Joliet Catholic at Marian (Fri.); St. Viator at Notre Dame (Fri.)
The series: The Spartans own an 8-1 series lead, with St. Viator´s lone triumph coming in 1967.
Notes: Marian will seek its first back-to-back shutouts since the opening of the 1997 campaign. Last week´s 270 passing yards by quarterback Joe Grubisic broke the Marian single-game passing record that had been set in 1981. The Spartans will celebrate Homecoming in week six, as Marian hosts rival Joliet Catholic Academy in its third home game of the season.
   Frosh B: Marian fell to St. Francis de Sales, 22-14, on Tuesday, as Chris Pavlovich and Joe Barker scored touchdowns for the Spartans and Barker tossed a conversion pass to Andrew Tucker. The Marian "B" squad will also host Bloom Township on Monday at 6 p.m.

Marian improves to 4-1 with win at St. Viator
  
    Marian´s Friday visit to St. Viator and Forest View Educational Center was a set-up.
    The Marian defense forced three first-half turnovers to set up the offense for some quick stirkes and 28-0 halftime lead, en route to a 49-16 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory.
    The Spartans (4-1) used the run to set up the pass Friday, just one week after quarterback Joe Grubisic had thrown for a school-record 270 yards in a win at Nazareth.
    With a focus on quality over quantity in the passing game, Marian produced extremely efficient results.
    Grubisic threw just nine times, but four of his five completions went for touchdowns. He found tailback Chris Rodriguez for scores of 12 and 59 yards, connected with Bryan Smith on a 23-yard touchdown toss and also found paydirt on a 31-yard aerial to Mike Jedlicka.
    "It was kind of our plan to run, but the defense set us up with some great position to do it," explained Rodriguez. "Our line did a great job of blocking and I was able to locate some holes. Then when Joe needed to, we beat them with the pass."
    Rodriguez was a key cog in all facets of the offense. He finished with three catches for 86 yards in the passing attack. Plus, his 80-yard touchdown burst in the final quarter capped a banner rushing night that included 17 carries for 168 yards and two scores.
    It all added up to a 3-0 record on the road, with a scoring differential of 142-22.
    It also set up a Homecoming showdown next Friday with rival Joliet Catholic.
    "We still need to keep working hard," Rodriguez added. "We still need to eliminate some mistakes. Now, it´s important to keep a focus and get ready for a great Joliet Catholic team."
    Overall, Marian finished with 279 yards rushing as Grubisic added 90 yards on the ground and a 28-yard score on a quarterback sneak.
    With the likes of Tim Kelly, Dan Sandrick, Jon Scudella and Stephen Peternell opening up holes up front, Marian had 13 rushing plays that netted 8 yards or more.
    The defense set the table on Friday, as it forced fumbles and turnovers on three of the first four possessions by St. Viator. Mike Izguerra pounced on a pair of fumbles and Kelly on another, as big hits by Ian Turek and Brad Wisowaty jarred the ball from the Lions.
    Marian also kept consistent pressure on the Lions, as Turek (two), Wisowaty and Kelly registered sacks. After St. Viator went on a 16-0 scoring run, Zach LoMonaco picked off a Lion pass to thwart another threat and create the fourth turnover of the night.
    For awhile, it looked like Marian might be getting "set up" on the Lions´ Homecoming. St. Viator responded to a 35-0 deficit in the third quarter with back-to-back scores and a pair of two-point conversions. Marian also committed 11 penalties, allowed St. Viator to recover a pair of onside kicks and fumbled the ball away once itself.
    However, the early command and clinching scores from Jedlicka and Rodriguez allowed the Spartans to claim their ninth victory over the Lions in 10 tries.
    Grubisic finished five of nine for 140 yards and four scores to give Marian 419 yards in total offense. And while Lion quarterback Jared Funk threw for 231 yards, the Spartans yielded just 66 yards on the ground in 48 attempts.
    "Our line did a great job pass blocking and run blocking," Rodriguez assessed. "And the defensive line got a great push all night too. Our offensive line got up the field to open some holes and also did a great job of giving Joe plenty of time."
    FRESHMEN: The Spartans improved to 5-0 with a 19-16 victory over St. Viator, as Josh Howe and Jack McCormick led the defense in the late going. Sam Izguerra and Nick Lococo added sacks to stop drives. On offense, Cliff Gordon ran wild with a 53-yard scoring jaunt and another 40-yard run. Derek Middleton and Don Settle had the other Marian scores, while Justin Rosandich added a conversion kick.
    The Spartan B squad (3-1) overcame four turnovers to topple St. Viator, 7-0, as Justin  Rosandich ran 33 yards for the only score and Jeremy Mattio kicked the extra point.

SCORING
MC- Chris Rodriguez 12-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Matt Harris kick), 9:21 first.
MC- Bryan Smith 23-yard pass from Grubisic (Harris kick), 4:30 first.
MC- Grubisic 28-yard run (kick failed), 7:30 second.
MC- Rodriguez 1-yard run (Mike Jedlicka to Andy Lietz), 0:55 second.
MC- Rodriguez 59-yard pass from Grubisic (Harris kick), 6:45 third.
SV- Brent Tomlinson 16-yard pass from Jared Funk (Funk to Tomlinson), 3:15 third.
SV- Tomlinson 14-yard pass from Funk (Funk to Tomlinson), 1:47 third.
MC- Mike Jedlicka 31-yard pass from Grubisic (Harris kick), 8:33 fourth.
MC- Rodriguez 80-yard run (Harris kick), 4:11 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 5 of 9, 140 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT. SV- Funk 11 of 28, 231 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; Dan Hower 0 of 1, 0 yards.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 17-168 (2 TD), Grubisic 9-90 (TD), Collin McKillip 1-13, Sean Whitfield 1-8. SV- Anthony Bono 26-76, Kevin Kuhn 6-8, John Menges 4-5, Nick Lemantia 1-(minus 3), Jeff Catrambone 1-(minus 9), Funk 10-(minus 11).
   Receiving: MC- Rodriguez 3-86 (2 TD), Jedlicka 1-31 (TD), Smith 1-23 (TD). SV- Tomlinson 6-159 (2 TD), Catrambone 4-52, Kuhn 2-11, John Leahy 1-9.
   Interceptions: Zach LoMonaco (MC).

GAME 4: Marian Catholic 40, Nazareth Academy 0

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Nazareth Academy.
Where: 1209 W. Ogden, LaGrange Park.
ESCC records: Marian 2-1; Nazareth 0-3.
Streaks: Spartans- 1 loss; Roadrunners- 6 losses.
Last week: Carmel 37, Marian Catholic 22; Benet 42, Nazareth Academy 6.
Week 5: Marian at St. Viator (Fri.); Nazareth at Notre Dame (Fri.)
The series: This will be the first meeting of these schools.
Notes: Nazareth joins the ESCC this year after playing football as an independent last year. Marian defeated St. Joseph this year in an early afternoon start and won both of its early afternoon contests last year. The Spartans will try to win their week four contest for just the second time in the last eight years. Marian is currently categorized as a Class 7A school for playoff purposes, although the Spartans are one of the smallest schools in that classification.

Marian blanks Nazareth to improve to 3-1
  
   Marian Catholic´s defense knew exactly what it needed to do Saturday when the Spartans visited Nazareth Academy for an East Suburban Catholic Conference test.
   The job was made easier by knowing exactly what the Roadrunners were going to do.
   With the Spartans shutting down the Nazareth running game (1 total yard on 11 attempts), the host team was forced to throw the ball and play right into Marian´s hands.
   Combined with a balanced offensive attack, the formula translated into the Spartans´ first shutout in 11 games, a 40-0 whitewash of the Roadrunners to improve Marian to 3-1 overall and in the ESCC.
   "All the defensive backs, linebackers and linemen played very well together today and because of it we got a shutout," explained senior Brad Wisowaty, who had a sack and fumble recovery. "They spread the field pretty well and you knew what they were trying to do. On most plays, we were able to figure out what they were going to do."
   Nazareth (0-4) had little choice but to try to pass the ball. With a stingy effort up front from Noe Arroyo (four extra-point kicks), Brian Aldeza, Mike Izguerra and Ian Turak, the Roadrunners didn´t have a rushing play of more than 8 yards.
   While Nazareth quarterback Peter Zavagnin did throw for 222 yards, he was picked off by Zach LoMonaco and Ryan Vaughan, and the Spartans forced turnovers on a pair of fumbles.
   Meanwhile, Marian quarterback Joe Grubisic and receiver Andy Lietz are learning to like playing under the sun. After the duo teamed up for four touchdowns in Marian´s other afternoon contest this year, they again led the Spartans on Saturday.
   Lietz reeled in touchdown catches of 7 and 8 yards to help spark the visitors to a 19-0 halftime lead. Grubisic added a touchdown toss of 22 yards to Malcolm Parker and rushed for two more scores to key the lopsided decision.
   Grubisic finished 22 of 34 for 270 yards while adding 65 yards on the ground. One of nine pass-catchers for the day, Lietz finished with nine receptions for 100 yards. On the ground, Chris Rodriguez carried 21 times for 135 yards and a 2-yard score.
   In total, Marian´s offensive line of Jon Scudella, Dan Kwiatkowski, Tim Kelly, Stephen Peternell and Keith Clark paved the way for 517 yards in offense and 23 first downs.
   Wisowaty punted the ball just one time Saturday, as Marian scored on three of its first four possessions of the second half to invoke a running clock the final 11 minutes of the game.
   Parker´s score made it 26-0 before an interception set up Rodriguez´ 2-yard score and a 33-0 Marian command. Grubisic capped the scoring when his 1-yard sneak culminated a 10-play, 58-yard drive early in the final period.
   Mike Jedlicka also turned in a productive day, catching a pair of passes for 50 yards and throwing for 36 more yards on three completions. Parker finished with 52 yards receiving and Rodriguez pulled in three passes for 27 yards. Bryan Smith, Steve Busse, Zach Denny, Walter Fisher and Ryan Owens all got into the aerial act with receptions for Marian as well.
   "This brings us back up after last week (37-22 loss to Carmel)," Wisowaty concluded. "Now, we can get started on a new streak."
  SOPHOMORES: Andrew Eagen and Bryce Horath each notched rushing scores to lead Marian (3-1) to a 14-6 victory at Nazareth on Saturday. Joe Frigo keyed the defense with a pair of interceptions.
   FRESHMEN: Marian improved to 4-0 with a 20-6 victory over Nazareth. After only five plays in the opening quarter, the Spartans capped an 80-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Derek Middleton to Kendall Greer. Jack McCormick added the extra point. Nwanna Alozie ran 45 yards to paydirt and Don Settle finished the Marian scoring with a 17-yard run. Johnathon Jack caused a fumble in what turned out to be a huge turning point in the contest.

SCORING
MC- Andy Lietz 7-yard pass from Joe Grubisic (Noe Arroyo kick), 7:26 first.
MC- Grubisic 6-yard run (run failed), 2:19 first.
MC- Lietz 8-yard pass from Grubisic (pass failed), 0:46 second.
MC- Malcolm Parker 22-yard pass from Grubisic (Arroyo kick), 8:06 third.
MC- Chris Rodriguez 2-yard run (Arroyo kick), 3:50 third.
MC- Grubisic 1-yard run (Arroyo kick), 11:03 fourth.

INDIVIDUALS
   Passing: MC- Grubisic 22 of 34, 270 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT; Mike Jedlicka 3 of 4, 36 yards. NZ- Peter Zavagnin 13 of 28, 222 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT; Jamie Fennessy 0 of 1, 0 yards.
   Rushing: MC- Rodriguez 21-135 (TD), Grubisic 10-65 (2 TD), Andrew Hebda 5-11, Jedlicka 4-0. NZ- John Grogan 3-4, #10 2-4, Matthew Schiffler 1-0, Zavagnin 5-(minus 7).
   Receiving: MC- Lietz 9-100 (2 TD), Parker 2-52 (TD), Jedlicka 2-50, Rodriguez 3-27, Steve Busse 2-24, Bryan Smith 2-22, Ryan Owens 2-18, Zach Denny 1-9, Walter Fisher 1-7. NZ- Kevin Frymire 9-137, Charles Hayes 2-81, Grogan 1-3, Greg McNutty 1-3..
   Interceptions: Zach LoMonaco, Ryan Vaughan (MC).

GAME 3: Carmel 37, Marian Catholic 22

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
ESCC records: Carmel 2-0; Marian Catholic 2-0.
Last week: Carmel 21, Benet Academy 14; Marian Catholic 53, St. Joseph 6.
Last meeting: Carmel 43, Marian Catholic 7.
Week 4: Notre Dame at Carmel (Fri.); Marian Catholic at Nazareth Academy (Sat.)
The series: Despite back to back victories for the Corsairs, Marian still owns the overall series advantage at 9-5.
Notes: Marian will feature a tribute to former teams and cheerleaders with its Decade of Champions at halftime. Carmel is rated #1 in Chicagoland by the Chicago Tribune. The Spartans seek their fourth 3-0 start in the last five years.

Marian (2-1) stumbles vs. top-ranked Carmel

    There were times on Friday night that host Marian Catholic looked like it could play right with powerful Mundelein Carmel, ranked No. 1 in the Chicago area by the Chicago Tribune.
    The Spartans came up with big sacks, got a huge offensive night from senior tailback Chris Rodriguez and forced a pivotal fumble and turnover on the Corsairs´ initial possession.
    But an inability to translate a handful of big plays to points on the scoreboard allowed Carmel (3-0) to walk away with a 37-22 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory.
    After spotting the Corsairs a 14-0 command, Marian (2-1) used a 26-yard touchdown run from Rodriguez to pull within a touchdown. Yet, in what may have been the Spartans´ most productive quarter when the contest was still on the line eventually resulted in a 10-7 Carmel advantage and a 17-7 halftime lead.
    The result of two special teams plays proved to be the back-breaker for Marian in the second half.
    After Spartan punter Brad Wisowaty pinned in the Corsairs at their own 6-yard line, the visitors drove 94 yards in 10 plays for a 24-7 lead. Then, Carmel recovered the ensuing onside kick. Five plays later, Jon Popovitch rambled into the end zone for one of his four touchdowns to give the Corsairs total command at 31-7.
    "Their offense is just so well run," praised Marian lineman Tim Kelly, who had two sacks on defense and paved the way for 18 Marian first downs and 342 total yards on offense.
   "They carried their fakes very well and they were deceptive. It was hard to tell where the ball was at times. There were a lot of times when we had them and just let them get away."
   After the Carmel lead swelled to 37-7, the Spartans finally got some offense going. Reserve quarterback Mike Jedlicka hooked up with Rodriguez on screen passes for scores of 57 and 15 yards, the initial touchdown sprung by a block from fullback Evan White.
    Jedlicka finished 5 of 7 for 117 yards. Rodriguez pulled in four passes for 77 yards to go with 139 rushing yards on 18 totes for all three Spartan scores. Bryan Smith added six receptions for 87 yards.
    Starting on its own 12 after the opening-possession fumble, Marian drove to the Carmel 30 before turning the ball over on downs. Sacks by Kelly and Brian Aldeza hinted at a turn in momentum, but a pair of interceptions kept the Marian offense quiet until the final moments of the contest.
    The Spartans also tried a pair of onside kicks, both executed well- but resulting in Carmel possession.
    A setback against a squad nationally ranked by USA Today should not deter Marian from its focus on a playoff berth.
    "Nazareth (next Saturday) is a quality opponent and we can let down in any way," Kelly concluded. "We just need a few more wins and we´ll get to our first goal: qualifying for the playoffs."
   The Marian freshmen improved to 3-0 with a 27-7 decision over Carmel as Derek Middleton tossed touchdown passes to Marcel Ward and Kendall Greer. Clifford Gordon and Don Settle added rushing scores and Justin Rosandick booted three conversion kicks. The defense was ignited by Jack McCormick, Josh Haive, Nick Lococo and Sam Izguerra.