advertisement

Week 6: Scouting the Chicago Catholic

Marmion (5-0, 2-0) at Fenwick (3-2, 0-1)

Chicago Catholic League Green

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Triton College

Last year: Fenwick 47, Marmion 7

Last week: Marmion 28, Montini 27; Loyola Academy 41, Fenwick 14

Outlook: Last week the Cadets defeated Montini, a feat they hadn't accomplished since 2009. This week they seek their first victory over Chicago Catholic Green rival Fenwick since 2011, when the teams met as nonconference opponents. The Friars have won 4 straight against the Cadets and averaged 46 ppg over the last 3 meetings. A year removed from a Class 7A semifinal appearance when they averaged 35 ppg, the Friars have scored 18.3 ppg through 4 games (they won by forfeit over Bowen in Week 1). A key playmaker for Fenwick is 6-foot-5, 207-pound senior Mike O'Laughlin, a wide receiver/safety committed to West Virginia. “They are very big, very physical and very well-coached,” Marmion coach Dan Thorpe said of Gene Nudo's team. “They're going to run the ball at us. They've had our number for several years now and put up a lot of points on us. We just have to find a way to outscore them by one.” Marmion senior quarterback Brandon McPherson has completed 39 of 66 attempts (59.1 percent) for 605 yards and 8 touchdowns and has been intercepted once. His leading receivers are seniors Jack Molenhouse (13 catches 181 yards, 2 TD) and Zach Urwiler (10-163-3) and junior Peter Ferraro (8-225-2). Marmion averages 232 rushing yards per game, led by Urwiler (34 carries, 341 yards, 5 TD), junior fullback Brant Demoss (43-245-3), McPherson (38-148-6) and Ferraro (26-127-1).

Next week: Marmion at St. Laurence (3-2); Fenwick at Providence (3-2)

De La Salle (4-1, 1-0) at Montini (3-2, 1-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Montini regroups from what coach Mike Bukovsky called undisciplined play in a loss to Marmion. De La Salle's huge offensive line requires a response from Broncos defensive linemen such as Frank Conforti, Cam Richardson, Alex Brill, Fred Stokes.

St. Ignatius (4-1) at St. Francis (1-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: In this Chicago Catholic League crossover visiting St. Ignatius is big up front, but St. Francis coach Bob McMillen likes the matchup. Ignatius' Wing-T will run inside, challenging Spartans linemen Dan Skold, Leonardo deLeon and big Alex Malachowski.

Aurora Christian (3-2, 0-0) at Bishop McNamara (2-3, 0-1) Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: Aurora Christian has not defeated the Fightin' Irish in 3 previous Chicago Catholic League White Division meetings but this team has a different vibe. “Our senior leadership has been absolutely fantastic,” Eagles coach David Beebe said. “These guys care about each other and don't care who scores or who makes the tackle. There's no ego at all. It's refreshing to have a team like this.”

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.