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2007 Spartan Football games |
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CLASS 8A PLAYOFFS: Naperville North 21, Marian Catholic 0 |
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Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday at Naperville North High School.
Where: 899 N. Mill Street, Naperville (directions).
Overall records: Marian Catholic 5-4; Naperville North 8-1.
Class 8A seeds: Marian Catholic #15; Naperville North #2 (in bottom bracket).
At stake: Winner plays the winner of L.-Way Central (6-3) at Bolingbrook (7-2) in 2nd Round.
Streaks: Spartans- 1 loss; Huskies- 1 loss.
Last week: St. Patrick 7, Marian 0; W.-Warrenville South 42, Naperville North 41 (3 OT).
TICKETS: Are priced at $4 for all (Marian will sit on East side of stands).
The series: This will be the first-ever meeting of the schools.
Notes: Marian will seek a first-round playoff victory for the second straight season... Both teams are 1-1 in IHSA championship games... Naperville North has made 11 straight playoff appearances, the seventh longest streak in Class 8A... Marian played the tougher schedule, with opponents going 45-36, while Huskie foes were 41-40... Half of the ESCC is represented in the playoffs, including champion Joliet Catholic, Carmel, Notre Dame, Nazareth and Marian.
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PLAYOFF HISTORY
Appearances: Marian Catholic 18; Naperville North 21.
Last: Marian defeated H-F, 20-14 (ot) in 2006 Class 8A first round, then lost to Lincoln-Way East, 46-6; Naperville North defeated Lockport, 33-3, in 2006 Class 8A first round, then lost to Mount Carmel, 35-7.
Playoff records: Marian Catholic 24-16, Naperville North 35-19.
State titles: Marian beat Geneseo, 13-6, for 1993 Class 4A title; Naperville North beat Loyola, 21-11, for 1992 6A title.
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Oct. 26 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
MARIAN CATHOLIC |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- 0 |
at NAPERVILLE NORTH |
7 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
-21 |
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Marian's Mark Scott tried to sweep around end on Oct. 26 during the visiting Spartans' 21-0 Class 8A playoff setback at Naperville North.
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Marian bounced from 8A playoffs by Naperville North
Marian Catholic didn't play the role of a #15 seed when the Spartans visited one of the state's top teams in Naperville North to open the Class 8A playoffs on Friday night.
In the opening half, the explosive Huskies managed a mere 44-yard advantage over Marian. In the second half, the Spartans yielded just seven points.
However, for the second straight game, the Spartans failed to get on the scoreboard, as Naperville North ended Marian's season with a 21-0 whitewash decision on a rain-soaked field.
Much like its Homecoming affair vs. Joliet Catholic, the Spartans played one of the state's top-ranked teams tough. But there are no moral victories in the playoffs, as Marian was blanked in back-to-back games for the first time since 1998.
The #2 seed Huskies set the tone right away on Friday, using just five plays to drive 67 yards on the game's opening possession for a 7-0 command.
Despite three first downs for Marian on the ensuing drive, Naperville North went right to work again on its next (second) possession. This time it took 12 snaps, but the Huskies marched 89 yards for a 14-0 command before the second quarter was two minutes old.
From there, Marian allowed just one more score. And an offensive line of Purdue-bound Dennis Kelly, Dennis Julliano, Richard Wilson, Marc Bartolini, Bryan Zavala and John Holzhauser helped Marian churn out nine first downs.
But much like its regular-season ending 7-0 ESCC loss to St. Patrick, the Spartans failed to cash in early when the opportunities were present.
On the Spartans' opening possession, Marian used a 13-yard rush from Brandon Sherman and a 30-yard connection from Evan Watson to Mark Scott to travel deep into Huskie territory. However, the Spartans came up short on a 4th-and-2 at the 10-yard line.
Late in the second quarter, Marian got big rushes from Scott (34 yards) and Malcolm Allen (23 yards) to produce three first downs, the last one advancing to the Naperville North 15. From there, the Huskies came up with the lone interception of the game to salvage a 14-0 halftime edge.
In championship form, Naperville North increased its lead on its initial second-half opportunity.
The Huskies marched 72 yards in 10 plays, knocking more than five minutes off the clock for a 21-0 bulge with 3:30 to play in the third quarter.
Marian managed orphan first downs on its first two posessions of the second half. However, they were the lone first downs for Marian after the intermission, as the Spartans' last three possessions of the campaign resulted in three-and-outs.
The Spartans didn't cross the midfield stripe after halftime.
Allen led a balanced rushing attack for Marian with 58 yards on nine carries. Sherman finished with 46 yards on eight totes, while Scott rushed four times for 40 yards. Meanwhile, the Spartans finished the season without a 100-yard passing game.
Despite extremely sloppy conditions, the interception late in the half was the lone turnover of the contest. Naperville North fumbled the ball four times, but Marian was unable to cover any of the miscues.
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CATEGORY |
Marian Catholic |
Naperville No. |
First downs |
9 |
16 |
Rush attempts / yards |
34-161 |
42-221 |
Passing yards |
42 |
120 |
Pass completions |
3 |
7 |
Pass attempts |
9 |
15 |
Had intercepted |
1 |
0 |
Fumbles / lost |
4 / 0 |
1 / 0 |
Penalty yards |
0-0 |
4-35 |
Next |
TBA |
TBA |
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SCORING
NN- Tom Costantino 18-yard run (Jordan Tassio kick), 10:14 first.
NN- Costantino 9-yard run (Tassio kick), 10:48 second.
NN- Alex Dieckmann 28-yard pass from Tassio (Tassio kick), 3:30 third.
Passing: MC- Evan Watson 3 of 9, 42 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT; NN- Tassio 7 of 15, 120 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Rushing: MC- Malcolm Allen 9-58, Brandon Sherman 8-46, Mark Scott 4-40, John DiGiovanni 6-15, Watson 7-2; NN- Costantino 13-100 (2 TD), Tassio 8-53, Nick Mlady 13-50, Tyrone Saunders 7-19, Danny Hess 1-(minus 1).
Receiving: MC- Scott 2-35, Sherman 1-7. NN- Dieckmann 2-39 (TD), Costantino 2-38, Tom Walsh 2-33, Saundes 1-10.
Interceptions: Hess (NN).
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GAME 9: St. Patrick 7, Marian Catholic 0 |
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Kickoff: 8 p.m. Friday at Hanson Stadium.
Where: Fullerton and Central Avenues, Chicago.
2007 records: Marian Catholic 5-3; St. Patrick 2-6.
ESCC records: Marian Catholic 3-3; St. Patrick 1-5.
Streaks: Spartans- 2 wins; Shamrocks- 3 losses.
Week 8: Marian Catholic 34, Benet 3; Nazareth 28, St. Patrick 19.
Week 10: IHSA Playoffs- first round.
Last year: Marian Catholic 40, St. Patrick 21.
The series: The Spartans halted a two-game Shamrock winning streak last year and Marian now owns an overall command of 10-5 in the series.
Notes: Marian will know its playoff fate early evening on Saturday... Among Class 8A teams with 5-3 records, the Spartans have the fifth highest playoff points at 39... the ESCC still has the potential for six playoff entries... Marian has scored first in its last three games, but in only four of eight overall... The Spartans seek the six-win mark for the fifth time since 2000... Marian needs a shutout on Friday to keep a streak alive of blanking a foe in six consecutive years.
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Oct. 19 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
MARIAN CATHOLIC |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- 0 |
at ST. PATRICK |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
- 7 |
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Marian Catholic huddles on Friday at Hanson Stadium during the visiting Spartans' 7-0 loss to St. Patrick to conclude the ESCC season.
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Marian upset at St. Patrick in regular season finale
Playing the role of a spoiler, host St. Patrick was determined to limit Marian Catholic's opportunities on the Spartans' visit to Hanson Stadium on Friday.
Specifically, the Spartans got three key chances inside the Shamrocks' 25-yard line.
Along with failing on fourth down from the 15 and the 12, the Spartans also coughed up the ball on a fumble at the Shamrock 23. The squandered chances allowed St. Patrick's lone 11-yard scoring drive to add up to a 7-0 St. Patrick win to conclude the ESCC season.
The only score of the game was set up when Marian had its first punt blocked for the season, setting up the Shamrocks on the Spartan 11-yard line late in the first half.
Marian gets the last laugh. While St. Patrick concludes the year at 3-6, the Spartans fall to 5-4 and await an IHSA playoff assignment on Saturday night.
For now, it doesn't feel very good for Marian, especially a defense that put up shutout-type numbers with 65 rushing yards allowed and 106 yards yielded via the air.
"It's frustrating, because we played pretty well on defense," explained lineman Matt Marquez, who recorded the Spartans' lone sack for the night. "We started off strong and then we came back real strong in the second half. We just had the bad field position on their one score. Other than that, we played pretty well on defense tonight."
Despite winning two of its last three, Marian will now draw a tough road assignment to begin its playoff journey. While nothing was at stake for ESCC rights on Friday, the trip to Hanson could have helped Marian immensely on playoff seeding with a victory.
"All our focus has to be on the playoffs now," Marquez said. "We just have to work hard and be ready to bust our tails this week."
The Spartans yielded a touchown or less for the fourth straight week, but couldn't muster the scoring to back it up this week.
Marian misfired twice inside the 25 with the chance to score the game's first points in the opening half, then managed just 4 yards of offense in the third quarter.
Still, the visitors had a chance to drive for the tying score when they gained possession at their own 20 with 5:39 to play.
Quarterback Evan Watson dashed 10 yards on a draw and Malcolm Allen picked up another first down with a 9-yard jaunt. When Watson hit Dennis Kelly over the middle for 8 yards, the Spartans owned a first down at the Shamrock 42.
After a pass interference call promoted the Spartans to the 27, Marian added another first down when Julian Williams pulled in a 7-yard pass at the St. Patrick 14. From there, Marian tossed two incomplete passes and gained 2 yards on a scramble. The fourth-down passing attempt from the 12 was nowhere near a Spartan receiver.
Marian also missed two key opportunities in the opening half. The Spartans' second drive of the game stalled at the St. Patrick 15 with an incomplete pass. One possession later, Marian drove from its own 36 to the Shamrock 23 before a fumble halted the drive.
The next Spartan possession resulted in a punt attempt, the ensuing block giving St. Patrick possession at the Marian 11. In just one play, Eddie Ortiz made the most of his lone carry for the night with an 11-yard sprint to the end zone.
With a solid effort up front from Marquez, Josh Forney, Kevin Linde, Kirk Roberts and Dominick Corsiglia, St. Patrick barely gained 2 yards per carry. However, the Shamrocks did come up with five key third-down conversions- four times via the air.
On a bittersweet night that saw Allen rush for 96 yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier (1,042), Marian couldn't find the end zone with 180 rushing yards overall. In the passing department, the Spartans gained just 27 yards on 3-for-12 success.
Brandon Sherman added 56 rushing yards on nine attempts, while Dennis Kelly pulled in two passes for 20 yards.
Sophomores: The Spartans notched a 20-6 victory over the Shamrocks to finish with a 7-2 mark, behind touchdowns from Jesse Steward, Joe Hess and Joe Walker.
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CATEGORY |
Marian Catholic |
St. Patrick |
First downs |
13 |
10 |
Rush attempts / yards |
43-180 |
32-65 |
Passing yards |
27 |
106 |
Pass completions |
3 |
8 |
Pass attempts |
12 |
18 |
Had intercepted |
0 |
0 |
Fumbles / lost |
2 / 1 |
1 / 1 |
Penalty yards |
2-14 |
7-45 |
Next |
IHSA Playoffs |
Season over |
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SCORING
SP- Eddie Ortiz 11-yard run (Chris Zepeda kick), 4:01 second.
Passing: MC- Evan Watson 3 of 12, 27 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. SP- Mike Fabrizio 7 of 17, 75 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT; Danny DiCanio 1 of 1, 31 yards.
Rushing: MC- Malcolm Allen 21-96, Brandon Sherman 9-56, Watson 7-16, Mark Scott 6-12. SP- Luiz Sanchez 24-51, Ortiz 1-11 (TD), Chris Zepeda 1-8, Fabrizio 6-(minus 5).
Receiving: MC- Kelly 2-20, Julian Willams 1-7. SP- Jeff Dicks 4-59, Tim Fogarty 1-18, Chris Iverson 1-15, Ortiz 1-12, Brian Falagario 1-2.
Interceptions: none.
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GAME 8: Marian Catholic 34, Benet Academy 3 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road at Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
2007 records: Benet Academy 2-5; Marian Catholic 4-3.
ESCC records: Benet Academy 2-3; Marian Catholic 2-3.
Streaks: Redwings- 1 win; Spartans- 1 win.
Week 7: Benet 23, St. Patrick 20; Marian Catholic 31, Marist 10.
Week 9: Notre Dame at Benet (Fri., 7:30 p.m.); Marian at St. Patrick (Fri., 8 p.m.).
Last year: Marian Catholic 34, Benet Academy 13.
The series: Marian has won six of the last eight, giving the Spartans a 15-6 overall advantage in the series.
Notes: Marian is seeking its 33rd season of .500 or better in 37 years with a victory on Friday... the last meeting in Chicago Heights saw the Redwings capture a 29-20 victory... A Spartan victory should secure a second straight IHSA playoff bid... Marian is seeking its third straight victory in a regular-season home finale... The Spartans have forced a turnover in six of seven games this season.
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Oct. 12 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
BENET ACADEMY |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- 3 |
at MARIAN CATHOLIC |
7 |
20 |
7 |
0 |
-34 |
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Marian's Andres Rodriguez picked off a pass Friday to help Marian to a 34-3 ESCC victory over visiting Benet Academy.
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Marian rolls past Benet to secure IHSA playoff berth
Early on, it looked like Malcolm Allen would have to be a workhorse on Friday night when Marian Catholic hosted Benet Academy.
Instead, a powerful offensive line and opportunistic defense made it an easy night for Allen- however, a very productive one.
Gaining short fields on several occasions, Allen rushed for 91 yards and four scores to ignite the Spartans (5-3, 3-3) to a 34-3 ESCC romp over the Redwings. The victory secures a second-straight playoff berth for Marian, which will conclude the regular season on Friday vs. St. Patrick at Chicago's Hanson Stadium.
"It was all the offensive line tonight," said Allen, giving credit to the likes of Marc Bartolini, Bryan Zavala, John Holzhauser, Dennis Julliano, Richard Wilson and Dennis Kelly. "You could have driven a truck through some of those holes tonight. They've been doing a great job all year and we had no trouble getting it done tonight."
The offensive line wasn't the only group that made it easy on Allen and the offense on Friday. The Spartans scored on four of their first five possessions to take a 27-3 halftime command, but never had to travel more than 57 yards to score.
Scoring drives of 14 and 15 yards were set up by interceptions by Joe Swanson and Andres Rodriguez.
"The defense played great tonight," Allen praised. "We really didn't have to drive very long tonight. They put together a great effort tonight and they basically put up a goose egg other than the one field goal drive."
A great defensive effort left Marian with short fields, and therefore, modest offensive numbers.
However, the numbers by the Spartan defense were consistent. The Redwings barely managed 3 yards per carry, as 10 of the visitors' rushing attempts went for zero or negative yards. Benet went to the air 18 times, but managed just seven completions amid great Marian pressure up front from Kirk Roberts, Dominick Corsiglia, Matt Marquez and Josh Forney (sack).
Marian's longest drive (in time) was its first, as the Spartans went 55 yards in nine plays to a 7-0 lead when Allen dashed 9 yards for a score and Ryan Merriman tacked on the first of four conversion kicks. Benet bounced back immediately with a 20-yard field goal to make it 7-3, but that's when the Spartan defense set the table.
With Benet backed up in the shadow of its own end zone, Swanson picked off an aerial to set up Marian at the Redwing 14. In just four plays, Allen burst in from the 1-yard line for a 14-3 margin.
Two plays later, a Rodriguez interception return of 22 yards set up the Spartans at the Benet 15. This time, Marian used six snaps to hit paydirt, as Allen scored from 2 yards out for a 20-3 command.
Marian's next possession saw a greater distance challenge, but it didn't turn out to consume much time. Mark Scott swept right end for 27 yards, then turned the corner on the left side for a 30-yard scoring scamper that sent the Spartans into a 27-3 halftime advantage.
Benet tried an unsuccessful onside kick to open the second half, and Marian turned it into the final score of the night. Eight plays into the second half, Allen concluded a 51-yard scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown to cap off his four-touchdown night.
The Redwings got inside the Marian 35 on two second-half occasions, but Marian held in the red zone once and stifled the other drive with a fumble recovery by Arthur Riley.
Marian outrushed the Redwings, 231-110, overall as Scott finished with 61 yards on the ground, Brandon Sherman added 27 more and John DiGiovanni finished with 24 yards. Quarterback Evan Watson was an efficient 3-of-5 for 42 yards, hitting Sherman twice for 33 yards.
"We're in the playoffs, but now we want more," Allen concluded. "We want to finish 6-3 and a better seed. In the playoffs, everybody comes out 0-0. We want to get something going and play until Thanksgiving."
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CATEGORY |
Benet |
Marian Catholic |
First downs |
11 |
14 |
Rush attempts / yards |
35-110 |
46-231 |
Passing yards |
92 |
42 |
Pass completions |
7 |
3 |
Pass attempts |
18 |
5 |
Had intercepted |
2 |
0 |
Fumbles / lost |
1 / 1 |
1 / 1 |
Penalty yards |
5-34 |
3-25 |
Next |
NOTRE DAME |
at St. Patrick |
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SCORING
MC- Malcolm Allen 9-yard run (Ryan Merriman kick), 5:38 first.
BA- Kevin Kron 20-yard field goal, 0:57 first.
MC- Allen 1-yard run (Merriman kick), 5:44 second.
MC- Allen 2-yard run (kick failed), 2:14 second.
MC- Mark Scott 30-yard run (Merriman kick), 1:30 second.
MC- Allen 2-yard run (Merriman kick), 8:50 third.
Passing: BA- Jimmy Riley 7 of 18, 92 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT. MC- Evan Watson 3 of 5, 42 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
Rushing: BA- Dan Cannon 8-42, Mike Wuest 14-42, Dan McGue 8-24, Pat Simonaitis 2-5, Bill Koloseike 1-3, Riley 2-(minus 6). MC- Allen 23-91 (4 TD), Scott 4-61 (TD), Brandon Sherman 5-27, John DiGiovanni 5-24, Watson 3-12, Joe Hess 4-9, Frank Tambrini 2-7.
Receiving: BA- Emmett Carrier 3-40, Ben Menconi 1-38, Wuest 1-8, Ted Savage 1-7, Sean McCabe 1-(minus 1). MC- Sherman 2-33, Dennis Kelly 1-9.
Interceptions: Joe Swanson, Andres Rodriguez.
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GAME 7: Marian Catholic 31, Marist 10 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marist High School.
Where: 4200 W. 115th Street, Chicago.
2007 records: Marian Catholic 3-3; Marist 3-3.
ESCC records: Marian Catholic 1-3; Marist 2-2.
Streaks: Spartans- 1 loss; RedHawks- 2 wins.
Week 6: Joliet Catholic 35, Marian 7; Marist 23, Benet 20.
Week 8: Benet at Marian (Fri., 7:30 p.m.); Marist at Notre Dame (Fri., 7:30 p.m.).
Last year: Marian Catholic 12, Marist 7.
The series: Last year's decision snapped a two-game Marist win streak, as Marian improved its series lead to 13-4.
Notes: The winner of Friday's contest should need just a split of its last two games to qualify for the IHSA state playoffs... At 3-3, Marist owns the best record of Marian's three remaining foes... Last year, Marian entered week seven at 3-3 before putting together a four-game winning streak... The Spartans' last visit to Marist resulted in a 10-7 setback in 2005... Marian is 3-1 when it records an interception, including a team-high five by Kevin Kammert.
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Oct. 5 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
MARIAN CATHOLIC |
3 |
7 |
7 |
14 |
-31 |
at MARIST |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
-10 |
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The Marian defense blanked Marist in the second half Friday to key a 31-10 ESCC victory over the host RedHawks.
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Marian uses 28-point blitz to turn back Marist in ESCC
After executing the two-minute drill to salvage a 10-10 halftime tie on Friday night at Marist, Marian Catholic decided to get stubborn in its East Suburban Catholic Conference battle.
The Spartans put their outcome solely in the hands of offensive linemen Richard Wilson, Dennis Julliano, Marc Bartolini, Bryan Zavala, John Holzhauser and Dennis Kelly.
Marian threw the ball just one time in the second half, rushing for three scores to complete a 28-point comeback blitz and hand the RedHawks a 31-10 setback.
"We just decided we were going to run the ball until they stopped us," explained Wilson, who helped open holes for a 269-yard rushing attack, with 204 of those coming after intermission.
"And they didn't stop us in the second half. We just decided to run the ball, run the ball, run the ball... and eventually put it into the end zone."
Marian's commitment to the ground game produced three scores in four possessions to open the second half. The one time the Spartans were forced to punt, they forced one of two turnovers when the catch was muffed.
The go-ahead score, the second possession of the third quarter, was grueling and punishing- particularly for the RedHawks. With a major dosage of Malcolm Allen, the Spartans (4-3, 2-3) marched 88 yards in 15 plays before tailback Allen bulled in from 2 yards out.
Ryan Merriman booted his second of four conversion kicks to give Marian the lead for good at 17-10. Allen followed Wilson and Julliano into the end zone on the 14th rush of the drive.
"We just decided we had to get this done tonight," Wilson explained. "After the second half of the Joliet Catholic game, we knew we had to come out and play two halves."
Marian was blanked, 35-0, in the second half in a 35-7 loss to JCA in week six, but the Spartans turned the tables this time around.
The 21-0 margin in the second half saw the Spartans limit Marist to five first downs and just 61 yards on the ground. After being outgained, 164-147, in the opening half Friday, a Spartan linebacking corps of Greg Janes, Mike Berens, Kevin Linde, Hugh Reynolds and Joe Swanson helped key the second-half shutout.
Any hopes of a RedHawk comeback were dashed on their final two possessions, as Andres Rodriguez pounced on a muffed punt and Bryan Golubski came up with a fumble recovery on a combined sack by Kirk Roberts and Nolan Berens.
After Marian took the 17-10 command, the next two scores came with efficiency. Following a Marist punt, Marian marched 58 yards in just four plays, as quarterback Evan Watson scampered 32 yards on a draw for a 24-10 lead.
Watson also got the icing score after the Spartans opened possession in Marist territory for the first time with just 3:24 to play. This time, Watson needed just three plays to hit paydirt with a 30-yard scoring jaunt.
While Allen was
the workhorse for Marian with 120 yards on 27 carries, Watson actually led the Marian ground game with 121 yards on eight totes.
Watson threw for just 76 yards, but started his three-score night (5-yard rushing TD) after he marched Marian 64 yards in just 50 seconds with the help of three key completions.
Brandon Sherman pulled in two passes for 38 yards on the night, while Julian Williams had two receptions for 20 yards. Mark Scott hauled in a key third-down catch for 18 yards on the late first-half drive.
Marian now needs a split in its final two contest to secure a second straight IHSA playoff berth, as the Spartans host Benet before traveling to St. Patrick.
"This was a big step on our way to five wins tonight," Wilson concluded. "It will be easier to go out and get the job done in the next couple weeks because this takes off a lot of pressure."
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CATEGORY |
Marian Catholic |
Marist |
First downs |
17 |
14 |
Rush attempts / yards |
43-269 |
38-190 |
Passing yards |
76 |
90 |
Pass completions |
6 |
7 |
Pass attempts |
12 |
14 |
Had intercepted |
0 |
0 |
Fumbles / lost |
2-0 |
1-1 |
Penalty yards |
5-45 |
3-35 |
Next |
BENET |
at Notre Dame |
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SCORING
MC- Ryan Merriman 30-yard field goal, 1:09 first.
Mst- Matt Mulcahey 35-yard run (Tim Schmidt kick), 11:17 second.
Mst- Schmidt 19-yard field goal, 1:13 second.
MC- Evan Watson 5-yard run (Merriman kick), 0:16 second.
MC- Malcolm Allen 2-yard run (Merriman kick), 2:09 third.
MC- Watson 32-yard run (Merriman kick), 9:32 fourth.
MC- Watson 30-yard run (Merriman kick), 2:37 fourth.
Passing: MC- Watson 6 of 12, 76 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT; Mst- Mulcahey 7 of 14, 90 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
Rushing: MC- Watson 8-121 (3 TD), Allen 27-120 (TD), Brandon Sherman 5-21, John DiGiovanni 3-7. Mst- Bill Seiler 14-69, Owen Skalitzky 8-61, Mulcahey 13-48 (TD), Montana Hammonds 2-11, Mike O'Grady 1-1.
Receiving: MC- Sherman 2-38, Julian Williams 2-20, Mark Scott 1-18, Dennis Kelly 1-0. Mst- Colin Monnier 3-43, Adam Lawler 2-37, Seiler 1-5, Hammonds 1-5.
Interceptions: none.
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GAME 6: Joliet Catholic 35, Marian Catholic 7 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Joe Orr Road at Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
2007 records: Joliet Catholic 4-1; Marian Catholic 3-2.
ESCC records: Joliet Catholic 3-0; Marian Catholic 1-2.
Streaks: Hilltoppers- 4 wins; Spartans- 1 win.
Week 5: Joliet Catholic 55, Benet 10; Marian Catholic 28, St. Viator 14.
Week 7: Notre Dame at Joliet Catholic (Fri., 7:30 p.m.); Marian at Marist (Fri., 7:30 p.m.).
Last year: Joliet Catholic 21, Marian Catholic 14.
The series: The Hilltoppers have captured seven straight to take a 25-8 command in the longtime rivalry. Marian´s last victory came with a 26-14 decision in 1994.
Notes: Spartan tailback Malcolm Allen has rushed for at least 138 yards in four of five contests, including a pair of 179-yard efforts... the Hilltopppers have scored 103 points in their last two visits to Marian... Marian's first six foes of the season own a combined 21-9 record, enchancing the Spartans' playoff points if two more victories secure a bid... Alumni are welcomed home for a postgame celebration in the tent next to the new Leadership Center.
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Sept. 28 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
JOLIET CATHOLIC |
0 |
0 |
14 |
21 |
-35 |
at MARIAN CATHOLIC |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- 7 |
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Marian's defense shined in the first half under the moonlight, helping the host Spartans take a 7-0 halftime command over Joliet Catholic.
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Marian's early upset bid thwarted by Joliet Catholic
Joliet Catholic proved the valuable lesson to Marian Catholic Friday: that football is a game of two halves.
Marian gave great pleasure to an enthusiastic Homecoming crowd when the Spartans took a 7-0 halftime lead over one of the state's top-ranked teams.
However, the Hilltoppers (5-1, 4-0) scored on all five of their second-half possessions and limited Marian to fewer than 100 yards rushing en route to a 35-7 ESCC decision.
After
playing JCA tough to 21-14 decisions in two of the last three meetings, the Spartans appeared as if they would do the same Friday. While Marian is not in the moral victory business, the impressive first half is something on which to build taking a 3-3 mark into the final three contests of the regular season.
"We just need to learn from our mistakes and come out next week and play hard," explained linebacker Hugh Reynolds, who ignited the Marian defense in the opening half with a sack.
"We can't let this affect what can be a strong finish to the season."
The numbers didn't add up for the Spartans on Friday. Despite being in the contest for much of the second half, Marian watched the Hilltoppers run off 75 plays to the host team's 42 snaps.
That margin was mounting even in the first half, but Marian still jumped to the early command.
After a holding penalty called back a Marian touchdown on the game's opening drive, the Spartans struck the second time they touched the ball.
Taking possession at the JCA 46-yard line, Marian needed just two plays to find paydirt. After Mark Scott gained a yard on a sweep, quarterback Evan Watson hit Julian Williams streaking down the right sideline for a 45-yard score. Dan Roque tacked on the conversion kick for a 7-0 Marian lead with 4:40 to play in the opening quarter.
Despite yielding 10 first downs, Marian's defense proved stingy through the remainder of the opening half. Kevin Kammert came up with his fifth interception of the campaign and Marian twice stoned the Hilltoppers after advances to the red zone.
"We just came out and stayed with our assignments and played football," Reynolds explained. "We really played as a team in the first half."
Led by a strong effort up front from Kirk Roberts, Matt Marquez, Dominic Corsiglia and Josh Forney, along with linebackers Reynolds, Greg Janes, Kevin Linde and Mike Berens, the Marian defense blanked a Hilltopper attack that had scored at least 55 points in each of three ESCC victories.
To the disappointment of the large Homecoming crowd, the second half was a completely different story.
Marian's longtime rival scored on each second-half possession, marching on drives of 82, 38, 74, 43 and 22 yards. When Tyler Hudetz scored from 4 yards out with 5:02 to play in the third quarter, JCA owned the lead for good at 14-7.
Marian's Watson finished a respectable six of nine for 93 yards, also connecting with Brandon Sherman four times for 46 yards.
However, the Spartans failed to churn out much clock, as two of their seven first downs came in the game's final seconds. For the contest, JCA owned a 23-7 differential in first downs.
The Spartans managed fewer than 3 yards per tote on the ground, as Marian was limited to 96 rushing yards overall. After breaking the century mark four times this season, Malcolm Allen was Marian's top rusher with 29 yards on 10 carries.
Having played six teams that entered the weekend with records better than .500 so far, Marian will finish the campaign against three that entered the weekend below .500. Two wins against Marist, Benet and St. Patrick would punch Marian's ticket to the IHSA playoffs.
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CATEGORY |
Joliet Catholic |
Marian Catholic |
First downs |
23 |
7 |
Rush attempts / yards |
58-361 |
33-96 |
Passing yards |
71 |
93 |
Pass completions |
6 |
6 |
Pass attempts |
17 |
9 |
Had intercepted |
1 |
1 |
Fumbles / lost |
2 / 0 |
2 / 1 |
Penalty yards |
4-33 |
2-20 |
Next |
NOTRE DAME |
at Marist |
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SCORING
MC- Julian Williams 45-yard pass from Evan Watson (Dan Roque kick), 4:40 first.
JC- Tyler Hudetz 50-yard run (Gabe Suhadolc kick), 9:45 third.
JC- Hudetz 4-yard run (Suhadolc kick), 5:02 third.
JC- Nick Clancy 3-yard run (Suhadolc kick), 9:48 fourth.
JC- Clancy 10-yard run (Suhadolc kick), 6:18 fourth.
JC- Brandon Geiss 1-yard run (Suhadolc kick), 2:46 fourth.
Passing: JCA- John Ruettiger 6 of 17, 71 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT; MC- Watson 6 of 9, 93 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Rushing: JCA- Hudetz 13-139 (2 TD), Geiss 17-106 (2 TD), Connor Krisch 16-62, Ruettiger 8-29, Clancy 4-25 (2 TD). MC- Malcolm Allen 10-29, Mark Scott 7-25, Brandon Sherman 7-23, John DiGiovanni 3-11, Frank Tambrini 1-5, Watson 5-3.
Receiving: JCA- Sean Sheppard 4-58, Krisch 2-13. MC- Sherman 4-46, Williams 1-45 (TD), Scott 1-3.
Interceptions: Steve Fehrenbacher (JCA); Kevin Kammert (MC).
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GAME 5: Marian Catholic 28, St. Viator 14 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Forest View Educational Center.
Where: 2121 S. Goubert Road, Arlington Heights.
2007 records: Marian Catholic 2-2; St. Viator 3-1.
ESCC records: Marian Catholic 0-2; St. Viator 1-1.
Streaks: Spartans- 2 losses; Lions- 1 loss.
Week 4: Nazareth 27, Marian Catholic 7; Benet Academy 25, St. Viator 23.
Week 6: Joliet Catholic at Marian (7:30 p.m Fri.); St. Viator at Notre Dame (7:30 p.m. Fri).
Last year: Marian Catholic 36, St. Viator 34.
The series: Last year's decision gave the Spartans an 11-2 command in the series, including 10 victories in the last 11 meetings.
Notes: Last year's Marian upset of the Lions represented the lone regular-season loss for St. Viator in 2006... The Spartans are building up IHSA playoff points, as four of their first five foes currently own 3-1 records and Marian opponents through week 6 own an overall mark of 17-7... Marian tailback Malcolm Allen has rushed for at least 138 yards in three of four contests... The Spartans' last visit to Forest View resulted in a 52-21 loss in 2005... In his first head coaching position, Marian alum Jerry Verde improved to 3-1 at Crete-Monee last weekend with a thrilling 29-26 comeback victory over Bloom Township. |
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Sept. 21 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
MARIAN CATHOLIC |
0 |
12 |
8 |
8 |
-28 |
at ST. VIATOR |
7 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
-14 |
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Marian's offense clicked for 439 Friday night to spark a 28-14 ESCC victory at St. Viator.
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Marian offense, defense click for victory at St. Viator
By design, Marian Catholic's offense is intended to present multiple threats.
By design, the Spartan defense is intended to force pressure up front to produce good results in the secondary.
Marian's attack went by the book on Friday, as the Spartans clicked on both sides of the ball to produce a 28-14 ESCC victory at St. Viator to improve to 3-1 overall and to 1-2 in league tilts.
Three members of Marian's backfield racked up more than 100 all-purpose yards, led by quarterback Evan Watson's 70-yard touchdown scamper to go with three touchdown passes.
Meanwhile, the Spartan defense totaled four sacks and kept the pressure coming, eventually leading to a pair of clinching interceptions by senior Kevin Kammert.
"They were going to put it in the air and we knew that," explained Kammert. "We were looking for that and we love it when we know they have to throw it up there.
"This is the biggest win of the year so far. It was a must-win for us and everyone came to play. The defense was there and the offense was great. Evan Watson kept his head and was a great leader tonight. When that happens, I don't think there's too many teams around that can stop us."
Watson's arm and legs did the trick for Marian on Friday. After the Lions (3-2) took a 7-0 lead, Watson led the Spartans to the game's next three scores, including a two-minute march at the end of the first half that gave Marian the lead for good.
The visitors answered St. Viator's initial scoring drive with an 11-play, 62-yard march for a score, culminated by Watson's 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dennis Kelly. A missed conversion still left Marian with a 7-6 deficit.
However, the Spartans claimed the lead the next time they touched the ball. Gaining possession 81 yards away with 2:04 to play in the half, Marian used 10 plays to find paydirt. The Spartans gained first downs on four straight plays, as Mark Scott rushed for a pair, Watson hit Brandon Sherman for another, and Sherman rushed 11 yards to the 6-yard line.
Watson then hit Sherman for the touchdown pass and a 12-7 Marian edge at intermission.
The Spartans then took the second half kickoff and marched 85 yards.
This time it took just six snaps, as Watson got loose on a scramble and raced 70 yards for the scoring run. Malcolm Allen's conversion run swelled the Marian command to 20-7.
Allen didn't find the end zone on Friday, but led Marian with 146 rushing yards on 30 carries. Watson added 110 rushing yards and Scott also hit the century mark, with combined 61 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards.
For the night, a strong effort in the trenches from John Holzhauser, Marc Bartolini, Dennis Julliano, Richard Wilson, Bryan Zavala and Kelly, helped the Spartans rush for 342 yards. Watson finished an efficient six of 10 for 97 yards.
The Lions rallied to within 20-14, but Marian provided the back-breaker midway through the fourth quarter.
The 62-yard drive to open the scoring for Marian proved to be its shortest of the night, as the Spartans went 71 yards in 13 plays for the clincher. Facing a second-and-19, Watson found Scott on the sideline for a short reception, the senior back turning it up the field for a 40-yard touchdown catch. Sherman added the conversion run for the final margin.
However, the game wasn't in the books until Kammert had his fun.
While St. Viator did pass for 166 yards, the Lions connected on just 11 of 28 aerial attempts. Strong pressure up front from linebackers Mike Berens (two sacks), Hugh Reynolds (sack), Joe Swanson and Greg Janes, and interior linemen Matt Marquez (sack), Josh Forney, Kirk Roberts and Kevin Linde eventually paid dividends.
After Marian pushed its margin to two touchdowns, the Lions' last two possessions ended in Kammert pickoffs.
"We had been playing with our coverages and mixing things up," said Kammert, whose unit also limited St. Viator to 89 yards on the ground. "We must have confused them pretty well."
Marian will welcome rival Joliet Catholic for Homecoming on Friday, as the Spartans take on the 4-1 Hilltoppers at 7:30 p.m.
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CATEGORY |
Marian Catholic |
St. Viator |
First downs |
20 |
13 |
Rush attempts / yards |
56-342 |
21-89 |
Passing yards |
97 |
166 |
Pass completions |
6 |
11 |
Pass attempts |
10 |
28 |
Had intercepted |
0 |
2 |
Fumbles / lost |
1 / 1 |
1 / 1 |
Penalty yards |
7-65 |
2-10 |
Next |
JOLIET CATH |
at Notre Dame |
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SCORING
SV- Mike Landuyt 33-yard pass from Eric Huber (Jon Harris kick), 0:00 first.
MC- Dennis Kelly 12-yard pass from Evan Watson (kick failed), 6:14 second.
MC- Brandon Sherman 6-yard pass from Watson (pass failed), 0:21 second.
MC- Watson 70-yard run (Malcolm Allen run), 8:20 third.
SV- Landuyt 40-yard run (Harris kick), 3:43 third.
MC- Mark Scott 40-yard pass from Watson (Sherman run), 6:52 fourth.
Rushing: MC- Allen 30-146, Watson 8-110 (TD), Scott 8-61, Sherman 10-25. SV- Landuyt 10-84 (TD), Huber 6-20, C.J. Cesario 1-(minus 3); Dan Faerber 4-(minus 12).
Passing: MC- Watson 6 of 10, 97 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT. SV- Huber 4 of 7, 65 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; Faerber 7 of 21, 101 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT.
Receiving: MC- Scott 1-40 (TD), Sherman 3-35 (TD), Kelly 1-12 (TD), Julian Williams 1-10. SV- Landuyt 3-63 (TD), Chris Carter 3-39, Matt Janus 1-30, Richard McLoughlin 2-22, Cesario 1-6, Julian Sipiora 1-6.
Interceptions: Kevin Kammert (MC), 2.
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GAME 4: Nazareth Academy 27, Marian Catholic 7 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium.
Where: Jor Orr Road at Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights.
2007 records: Nazareth 2-1; Marian Catholic 2-1.
Streaks: Roadrunners- 2 wins; Spartans- 1 loss.
Week 3: Nazareth 36, Benet 14; Carmel 28, Marian Catholic 7.
Week 5: Notre Dame at Nazareth (Sat., 1:30 p.m.); Marian at St. Viator (Fri, 7:30 p.m.).
Last year: Marian Catholic 42, Nazareth 20.
The series: The Spartans have captured three of four games in the brief series, with Nazareth's lone triumph coming with a 26-20 decision in the 2005 season.
Notes: Marian is seeking its first 3-0 home start since 2004, a string that included a 31-27 victory over Nazareth... The Spartans have scored at least 20 points in their four meetings with the Roadrunners... Marian entered the 2007 season with 300 all-time victories. |
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Sept. 14 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
NAZARETH ACADEMY |
0 |
14 |
0 |
13 |
-27 |
at MARIAN CATHOLIC |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
- 7 |
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Marian defensive coordinator Tim Swanson talks with his troops during Friday's 27-7 ESCC setback to visiting Nazareth Academy.
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Marian shut down in ESCC loss to Nazareth Academy
By the numbers, things should have added up more favorably for host Marian Catholic on Friday.
The Spartans outgained Nazareth Academy, 300-227, and tailback Malcolm Allen turned in his third 100-yard rushing effort of the season. Marian's defense also put some serious heat on talented Roadrunner signal-caller Phillip Kaiser.
However, the only numbers that matter are a 27-7 ESCC loss to Nazareth, as the Spartans (2-2) remained winless in two league outings.
Allen's strong effort resulted in a 179-yard night on 23 carries, including a 54-yard touchdown jaunt that pulled Marian into a 7-7 tie late in the opening half.
However, Marian's vice on Friday was missed opportunities.
In the opening quarter, the Spartans advance to the Nazareth 25-yard line before a sack and incomplete pass resulted in a punt and touchback.
After Nazareth took a 14-7 halftime lead, Marian gained the initial possession of the second half. In 15 plays, the Spartans marched from their own 28 to the Roadrunner 4 with a fresh set of downs. But two of the next three plays went for negative yardage, as Marian settled for a missed 21-yard field goal after consuming more than seven minutes of the third-quarter clock.
Keeping good pressure on Kaiser, Marian's defense forced a Roadrunner punt after the visitors collected two first downs.
However, Marian never again got a strong scoring opportunity.
"We knew they were vulnerable, so we put on some pressure and tried to take away their passing game," explained Ikem Anadumaka, who led a group of front of Kirk Roberts, Matt Marquez, Josh Forney and Dominic Corsiglia, along with linebackers Mike Berens, Hugh Reynolds and Joe Swanson.
"We knew we had the speed to get to him. We gave ourselves some opportunities, but we let them slip away. We were just trying to make plays and didn't get it done."
While Kaiser got off to a hot start, the Spartans wound up with three sacks, limited him to 102 passing yards and didn't allow a completion in the second half. Marian also forced three fumbles, but couldn't come up with a turnover on the night.
Kaiser did come up with a big play at the end of the half, hitting Kevin Johnson on a 20-yard scoring toss with 52 seconds left to give the Roadrunners the lead for good.
When Marian sputtered on its second possession of the second half, Nazareth finally gained some breathing room. The Roadrunners advanced 53 yards in three rushing plays to take a 20-7 command with 9:26 to play in the contest.
The visitors gained the final margin when two-way standout La Steven McKinney added to his 27-yard touchdown run with a 53-yard interception return for the final margin.
Along with Allen, Spartan Brandon Sherman had a solid night in the backfield. His 67 yards on 13 carries included a pair of key scampers for first downs- another category Marian won (15-14).
In a relief effort, Tommy Doane clicked on five of eight passes for 54 yards. Julian Williams pulled in three passes for 25 yards to lead the Spartan receivers.
Things don't get any easier for Marian, which must visit St. Viator before hosting Joliet Catholic in a Sept. 28 homecoming matchup.
"We just have to get back to practicing with good fundamentals and put this one in the past," Anadumaka explained. "We need to learn from this and move on. There's a new game ahead now."
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CATEGORY |
Nazareth |
Marian Catholic |
First downs |
14 |
15 |
Rush attempts / yards |
33-125 |
49-244 |
Passing yards |
102 |
56 |
Pass completions |
11 |
6 |
Pass attempts |
23 |
10 |
Had intercepted |
0 |
1 |
Fumbles / lost |
3 / 0 |
3 / 1 |
Penalty yards |
8-55 |
6-60 |
Next |
NOTRE DAME |
at St. Viator |
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SCORING
Nz- Curtis Cannon 1-yard run (Patrick Dunn kick), 7:10 second.
MC- Malcolm Allen 54-yard run (Dan Roque kick), 5:33 second.
Nz- Kevin Johnson 20-yard pass from Phillip Kaiser (Dunn kick), 0:52 second.
Nz- LaSteven McKinney 27-yard run (run failed), 9:26 fourth.
Nz- McKinney 53-yard interception return (Dunn kick), 0:28 fourth.
Rushing: Naz- McKinney 19-101 (TD), Cannon 7-32 (TD), Kaiser 7-(minus 8). MC- Allen 23-179 (TD), Brandon Sherman 13-67, Tommy Doane 2-10, Evan Watson 7-(minus 5); Mark Scott 4-(minus 7).
Passing: Naz- Kaiser 11 of 22, 102 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; McKinney 0 of 1, 0 yards. MC- Doane 5 of 8, 54 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT; Watson 1 of 7, 2 yards.
Receiving: Naz- Johnson 3-38 (TD), Sean Broderick 3-24, Johnny Nelson 2-20, Patrick Reardon 2-19, Cannon 1-1. MC- Julian Williams 3-25, Scott 2-23, Sherman 1-8.
Interceptions: McKinney (Naz, TD).
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GAME 3: Carmel Catholic 28, Marian Catholic 7 |
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Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Carmel Catholic High School.
Where: 1 Carmel Parkway, Mundelein.
2007 records: Marian Catholic 2-0; Carmel Catholic 1-1.
Streaks: Spartans- 2 wins; Corsairs- 1 win.
Week 2: Marian 27, Bloom 14; Carmel 9, Libertyville 6.
Week 4: Nazareth at Marian (7:30 p.m. Fri); Carmel at Notre Dame (7:30 p.m. Fri).
Last year: Carmel 73, Marian Catholic 55.
The series: The Corsairs have won six in a row to even the series at 9-9, as Carmel has averaged 43.5 points per game during the current streak. The Spartans' last victory came in a 19-7 Prep Bowl victory in 2000.
Notes: Marian is seeking its first 3-0 start since 2002 when the Spartans opened the campaign with a 5-0 mark... the ESCC put together an overall mark of 8-2 during the second week of nonconference games... the Spartan defense had forced seven turnovers in the first two weeks of play and the offense has had three 100-yard rushing efforts... last year's 73-55 contest vs. Carmel ranks as one of the highest-scoring affairs in IHSA state history.
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Sept. 7 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Total |
MARIAN CATHOLIC |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
- 7 |
at CARMEL CATHOLIC |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
-28 |
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Marian's Julian Williams pulled in four passes Friday, but the visiting Spartans still dropped their ESCC opener at Carmel, 28-7.
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Marian Catholic thwarted in ESCC opener at Carmel
MUNDELEIN- Visiting Marian Catholic didn't exactly play like a 2-0 team on Friday night, but the Spartans also didn't have a listless effort.
Carmel didn't do anything flashy, amazing or incredible.
However, the host Corsairs did put together a fundamental effort that added up to seven points in all four quarters en route to a 28-7 ESCC victory in the loop opener for both squads.
Marian (2-1) scored its lone points in the game's final minutes when a group of Spartans forced a sack and fumble, with Arthur Riley rambling 72 yards with the return for a consolation score. Dan Roque added the conversion kick to account for the final score.
The defensive score proved to be Marian's best offense as the Spartans managed just 100 yards on the ground and 72 through the air after rolling up 61 points in their first two victories.
"They came out well-prepared; they were very well-disciplined and they came to play tonight," Marian running back Malcolm Allen praised of the Carmel defense. "They had everybody in the right spots and everybody stuck with their duties and responsibilities. They ran their defense to perfection."
Allen had put together a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts for Marian in two victories. He led the Spartans in rushing Friday, but never had a rush of more than 7 yards en route to a 64-yard effort on 18 tough carries.
The Spartans managed 10 first downs (just five fewer than the Corsairs), but never mustered more than two first downs on an individual drive.
Marian never visited the Carmel red zone and committed four turnovers, although three of them came when the contest was likely determined. | |
