Marist hands Benet first defeat
High-spirited Marist needed a win to remain in playoff contention and soundly defeated previously undefeated Benet 21-7 in East Suburban Catholic Conference action on Friday in Chicago.
Quarterback Brendan Skalitzky led the RedHawks with 22-for-31 passing, 272 yards and 1 touchdown in the air and a TD on a 12-yard run.
Brad Sznajder ran for 132 yards on 16 carries for the Redwings (4-1, 2-1).
"It definitely was disappointing," said Redwings coach Pat New. "Marist is a great program. You've got to come in here and bring your 'A' game. They're a well-coached team. Their backs were against the wall because they had three losses. They responded. A lot of it is they are a perennial playoff team and at 1-3, they knew they can't afford to lose another game."
Marist opened the scoring on a 51-yard sprint by Jawill Aldridge. Adridge was injured two weeks ago in the loss to Brother Rice and returned to action Friday night. Unfortunately, he was injured in the second quarter and left the game with 80 yards on 12 carries.
Darshon McCullough snatched a 43-yard pass from Skalitzky to put the RedHawks ahead 14-0.
The Redwings' Brad Sznajder ran 85 yards on 4 carries to setup theironly score. Sznajder capped the drive with a 7-yard run but fumbled the ball in the end zone. However, Connor O'Donnell fell on the ball to cut the RedHawks' lead to 14-7 at the half.
With Aldridge out Skalitsky went to the passing game.
"It was a big win, it felt great," Skalitzky said. "We knew we were better than 1-3. Benet is a good team, but we knew we could beat them. This was a team win all the way. The defense played absolutely outstanding."
The ESCC was redrawn last season, adding Marian Central its lineup. This forced a twist in the schedule allowing Marist and Benet to play at Marist for the second consecutive year. Marist won last year 49-21.
"We came in a little complacent," said Redwings quarterback Jack Sznajder. "Marist is a great team and we shouldn't have overlooked them. We have to prepare every week. It was our mistake, but we'll make up for it."
"Our guys worked extremely hard and executed," RedHawks coach Pat Dunne. "It was a total team effort in all three areas, offensively, defensively and special teams. It's great momentum but we have to get back to work tomorrow."