St. Viator 33, Marist 7
St. Viator's offense stole the headlines in its first two games as it averaged 40 points in a 2-0 start.
But it was the Lions defense on Friday night at Forest View that made the bold statement.
St. Viator's defense kept it close in the first half, and then took total control in the second half leading the Lions (3-0, 1-0) to a commanding 33-7 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory against Marist (1-2, 0-1).
"We were fired up today," said linebacker Matt O'Malley, who led a swarming defense that stifled the Redhawks and was only blemished by a late score. "In the past it has been our defense that has cost us.
"But we saw our offense struggling and we picked it up, the same way they have picked us up."
Viator took an early 3-0 advantage on a 21-yard field goal by Jonathan Harris. The senior kicker also played a key role with his punting that kept Marist pinned deep in it own territory.
But quarterback Matt Mulcahey directed Marist's spread attack to the Lions' 1 late in the first quarter.
The Lions answered as Joe Fliss busted through the line, causing a fumble which Viator recovered at the 5 and derailing a Redhawk attack which gained 113 rushing yards in the first half.
Marist moved the ball to Viator's 22 late in the second quarter but missed a 30 yard field goal.
Three plays later, Viator quarterback Eric Huber found Richard McLoughlin streaking across the middle for a 78-yard score. Chris Carter made a key block on the touchdown pass giving Viator a 10-0 halftime advantage.
"The first half we weren't ready to play," said Huber of the Lions' offense that was held to 31 yards rushing in the opening two quarters. "The second half the defense really picked it up.
The Lions defense took control in the second half, limiting Marist to 8 total yards on its first five possessions.
The defensive line of Kyle Hanley, Emmett Cleary, Matt Senchuck and Fliss controlled the point of attack, allowing O'Malley to wreak havoc.
"We have some real good defensive linemen," added O'Malley. "They keep guys off our linebackers, allowing us to make tackles."
The Lions offense added a 59-yard scoring run by Huber and the defense struck again as O'Malley and Hanley combined for a safety for a 19-0 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Mike Landuyt paced Viator with 148 yards, which included 3-yard score in the fourth quarter. Huber added a late 7-yard score.
But it was the defense on Friday that led the way for the defending ESCC co-champs.
"I told our defense that was one of the best performances I've seen them play," added Viator coach Chris Kirkpatrick. "I think we wore them out in the second half."