St. Viator lines up winning finish

St. Viator coach Dave Archibald had a message for his offensive line prior to the game against St. Patrick.

"Our offense will go," said Archibald, "as far as you carry us."

Saturday afternoon at Hanson Stadium in Chicago, the O-line carried the Lions all the way to a crucial East Suburban Catholic Conference victory over St. Patrick.

Led by Tony Valentino, Joe Steineke, Brett DeSelm, Joe Cleary and Anthony Maraviglia, St. Viator rallied to defeat St. Pat 27-21.

The Lions improved to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the league.

"Our offensive line guys were able to get the push out when we were throwing ball," said Archibald. "And when we ran it - especially in the second half - they were able to open the holes for our backs."

Viator committed to the run in the second half, rushing for 214 yards in the final 2 quarters while throwing only 3 forward passes.

"In the first half we were able to gain yardage via the run and the pass," said Archibald, "but once we saw what they (St. Patrick) were trying to do on defense in the second half and what they were trying to take away, it made success on the ground more likely."

St. Patrick dominated play early with two scores, and Viator dodged a few more bullets - especially when the Lions fumbled away a punt at their own 5.

But defensive back Christian Dolecki stopped the Shamrocks with an end zone interception, and Viator was able to go into halftime trailing only 14-7 when Kennedy Gawin ran for a touchdown from 3 yards out.

Viator tied the game at 14-14 in the third quarter on a tackle-breaking fourth-down touchdown run of 13 yards from Darreontae Jackson.

Then Viator went on the move again when senior Cole Kmet, known for his pass-catching abilities on offense, came up with a clutch sack of the Shamrocks' quarterback to stop a drive.

"Cole is such a team-oriented player," said Archibald. "He's a great receiver, but he'll do whatever it takes to help his team win, be it coming up with a big block or a great defensive play. He's just a solid guy all-around."

Marc Clark put the Lions in front 21-14 on an 18-yard run.

"It was the option reverse," said Clark. "Everyone was focused on our 23 (Jackson) - he's a great player, and I got the pitch and saw nothing but daylight in front of me."

Viator got a little breathing room with seven minutes remaining in the game when it scored again, this time on a 7-yard sweep by Jackson after a Kmet fumble recovery.

The game wasn't over, as St. Patrick got a late touchdown - but a subsequent onside kick attempt sailed out of bounds.

The Shamrocks had one more chance if they could have stopped the Lions with a three-and-out. Instead, Jackson rushed determinedly for 53 of his 163 total yards in the final minute to close out the contest.

"I just ran downhill with a full head of steam every time," said Jackson. "I knew I had to do that to put the game away."

St. Viator finished with 301 yards on the ground overall in the victory.

"Big win for us," said Clark. "I believe we might have qualified for the playoffs today - and if so, now we have new goals to set."