Marmion 'D' earns an 'A' vs. Montini
Cadets especially tough on third and fourth down
A decade's worth of frustration was washed away through mud and shreds of grass under the lights at Fichtel Field Friday night as Marmion beat Montini Catholic for the first time since 1998. The 18-7 victory cemented the Cadets' status as a legitimate playoff contender and as one of the best defensive units in the area.
Despite the wet, windy conditions, both offenses were able to move the ball effectively enough to accumulate 632 yards and four touchdowns. Yet it was the Marmion defense that starred, forcing four turnovers and denying Montini (5-4, 1-3 Suburban Christian Conference) on multiple scoring chances.
(Heather Eidson/Staff Photographer)
PHOTO GALLERY
• Marmion founder's birthday
The coverage doesn't stop here. Visit beaconnewsonline.com/sports for stories from other games, including:
• Geneva at Batavia
• St. Francis at Aurora Central Catholic PLUS: In The Beacon's weekly video series, Marmion linebacker T.J. Lally and defensive tackle Mike Gallaway tell why the switch to the 5-2 defense has been so successful, and how they're still searching for respect from the Suburban Christian Conference powerhouses. Also, defensive lineman Alex Karas answers 5 Questions, including why he's useful if your car breaks down and how he would deal with a surly bronco. Check out the videos at beaconnewsonline.com .
The Broncos were just 3-for-12 on third-down conversions and 1-for-4 on fourth down.
Marmion (8-1, 4-0) held serve on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter, icing the victory. Clinging to a tenuous 12-7 lead to start the final period, Montini had first-and-goal at the Marmion 4-yard line. Four plays later, the ball was in the Cadets' hands at the Marmion 5.
Montini's next possession started at the Marmion 32. One play later, Marmion linebacker Bobby Winkel scooped up a Ryan Gorrell fumble.
The next Montini drive began at its own 48 and ended at the Marmion 15, where the Cadets again stopped the Broncos on fourth down.
For some, Friday night may validate the Cadets' early-season victories over St. Francis and Marian, but what it proves is their defense is poised for a deep postseason run.
The 5-2 scheme coordinated by coach Dan Thorpe can be flexible, as it had to be against the Broncos' spread offense. While the secondary was beaten at times by the Broncos wide receivers, it made plays when it had to -- like Matt Pircon's first-quarter interception and Mike Carbonara's two pass deflections (one that led to an interception, another that denied a Broncos score).
Offensively the Cadets were efficient, even in the poor conditions. Interestingly, quarterback Bobby Peters (6-for-8, 85 yards, touchdown) and speed backs Pircon (88 yards, touchdown) and Adam Andras (85 yards, touchdown) were more effective than bruisers T.J. Lally (39 yards) and Winkel (49).
This makes the Cadets a scary team, even though they will likely be multiplied up into the Class 6A playoff bracket. Their defense is stellar and can create turnovers. And the offense has not only big-play runners but a smart quarterback who is accurate.
Those are some of the reasons this is Marmion's best team since the 1998 squad that went 9-0 in the regular season before advancing into the third round of the playoffs.
Earlier this week, Thorpe said there were a number of factors for the Cadets' success, and after crediting talent, team chemistry, favorable scheduling and a solid work ethic, he finished with a nod to the football gods: "And, the ball's bounced our way."
For the first 24 minutes Friday, the ball definitely bounced the Cadets' way, helping them preserve an early 6-0 lead throughout the half.
One potential Montini scoring drive ended when a Brandon Pechloff pass bounced off the helmet of Carbonara at about the 5-yard line and into the hands of Marmion linebacker Tony Tate.
Another Broncos scoring chance ended two possessions later when Gorrell and Pechloff botched a handoff at the Marmion 20. The ball was scooped up by Marmion defensive lineman Alex Karas, allowing the Cadets to run out the clock.
Pechloff (160 yards) finished the first half just 1-of-8 passing for minus-2 yards and two interceptions. Gorrell rushed for 71 yards, but only 43 came after his opening 28-yard jaunt. Campana was similarly held in check, picking up 40 yards.
