Meadows quickly gets rolling
Rolling Meadows' defense was solid and the offense was just good enough in a season-opening 30-7 win over St. Viator at Robert Morris Stadium in Arlington Heights on Friday night.
“Our defense set the tone for this one,” said Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler. “We took advantage of the opportunities that they gave us”
The Lions (0-1), under new head coach Dave Archibald, struggled to build any momentum as miscues kept St. Viator at bay.
A short 3-yard punt with 5:39 left in the first quarter gave the 1-0 Mustangs field position at their own 36.
Rolling Meadows went 64 yards in 11 plays to score on Nick Delporte's 2-yard run with 1:59 left in the first quarter. Delporte (6 carries, 49 yards) set up his own score by dashing 19 yards before the touchdown. Delporte then ran for a 2-point conversion.
Kevin Haltman helped give the Mustangs a 15-0 lead as he ran the ball back 23 yards following Delporte's blocked punt with 2:40 left in the first half.
“The pressured us with their blitzes on defense,” said Archibald. “Our kids might have been a little tense tonight.”
Kevin Lacosse, who led the Mustangs in rushing with 85 yards on 24 carries, broke into the scoring column with 3:59 left in the third quarter on a 2 yard run for a 21-0 lead.
Quarterback Asher O'Hara threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Amos midway through the fourth quarter for a 28-0 lead. O'Hara was 9-for-21 for 71 yards.
“I think as a offensive line we did pretty good tonight,” said returning senior center Tommy Larson. “After the first few series we were moving the ball better. We just need to work on some adjustments next week in practice.”
Rolling Meadows' finals points came on a safety when Lions quarterback Tom Majerus (14-for-24, 2 interceptions, 199 yds.) was tackled in the end zone.
“We have a lot of confidence in our defense,” said linebacker Justin Thompson who had 5 tackles and a sack. “A lot of the good plays we made came from our front four.”
St. Viator's lone tally came with2:47 left in the game on Kyle Pearce's 4 yard run which was set up by Taylor Tumbergers fumble recovery at the Mustangs 35.
Rolling Meadows totaled 206 yards and the Lions 237. St. Viator only rushed for 38 yards in 35 attempts.
The Lions were without standout senior Cole Kmet, who missed the game due to mono.