Montini seeks to avenge last year's loss to St. Rita

St. Rita (1-1) at Montini (2-0)

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: St. Rita 49, Dunbar 14; Montini 24, East St. Louis 14.

Last year: St. Rita 21, Montini 0.

Outlook: Montini seeks a 3-0 start for the second time in three seasons. They were 1-2 last year after this game, of which coach Chris Andriano said the Broncos just weren't ready for St. Rita's physicality on the line. Handling St. Rita offensive linemen such as 310-pound senior Jake Stover and 285-plus juniors David Villasenor and Matt Hovorka is the task ahead for Montini defensive linemen Tommy Hyland, Brandon Andino, Michael Ross, Joe Spivak and big Monte Bey. Should they occupy the Mustangs' linemen that opens up lanes for blazing blitzer Nick Foster and the pummeling John Embrey, who is averaging 13 tackles. St. Rita quarterback Connor Kelly has yet to throw a touchdown in 24 attempts as coach Todd Kuska's club relies on backs Brandon Williams and Darius Allen. Montini quarterback Justin Blake has gotten off to a bang-up start with 524 total yards of offense, while the Broncos' defense already has intercepted 6 passes to provide Montini with a plus-6 turnover edge.

Next week: St. Rita at Mt. Carmel; DeLaSalle at Montini.