advertisement

Finely-tuned Nazareth grinds past Benet

Benet's football team knew the second half of its season would be more challenging than the first.

Nazareth hammered home a reminder on Friday.

The powerful Roadrunners put in another machine-like performance in a 35-13 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory over Benet at Lisle's Benedictine University.

"We're just a good, competitive team and we just want to get a win every time," said Nazareth running back Nolan Dean.

The Redwings (4-2, 2-2) tried to stay close, pulling within 21-5 on Colin Brahler's tackle for a safety late in the first half, but Nazareth (6-0, 4-0) answered on the ensuing possession with Julian Love's 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.

With a 28-5 halftime lead, the Roadrunners took away any semblance of momentum Benet hoped to have at the break.

"The talent level of Naz was as expected," said Benet coach Pat New. "We were hoping to play it a little closer. A play here and there, it could have been closer going into the second half, and might have given us a little better opportunity to compete with them. But you can't make mistakes and have Pick 6's and turnovers like that because it's just too costly against a talented team like that."

When Dean and Love weren't pounding their way to a combined 197 rushing yards, quarterback Carson Bartels hit the Redwings with touchdown passes of 36 and 41 yards. The 41-yarder in stride to Christian Davis boosted the margin to 35-5 midway through the third quarter.

Benet running back Brad Sznajder, who worked for every one of his 131 yards on 29 carries, accounted for the final score of the game with a 5-yard run. Jeffrey Marek set up the touchdown with an interception at midfield.

Minutes later Charlie Weidenbach blocked a 47-yard field-goal attempt by Nazareth. Matt Tromp's 35-yard first-quarter field goal gave Benet its first points of the night.

Beyond the handful of Benet highlights the game belonged to Nazareth, which next week faces another tough matchup against Joliet Catholic (5-1, 4-0).

"It was close until we got that Pick 6 from Julian," said Nazareth coach Tim Racki. "It felt like a complete team effort. I was really pleased with how many different guys contributed this week."

Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_schmit

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.