Montini 51, St. Francis 7
Montini football coach Chris Andriano said this year's team may be the best in program history.
After 29 years at the helm -- including a run to the 2004 Class 4A state title -- that's quite a statement. But judging by what the Broncos have shown so far, a pretty good argument is in progress.
Montini's electric passing game helped the Broncos stay unbeaten with Saturday's 51-7 Suburban Catholic Conference victory over St. Francis in Wheaton.
Scoring two plays into the game, the high-flying Broncos set an instant tone. And with 118 points in three games, they've also set the tone for the season.
"I think this is the best team we've ever had, but, you know what, we've got to play each game as it comes," Andriano said. "We are a very talented football team, and we've just got to get ready week by week."
The Broncos (3-0, 1-0) were definitely ready this week.
On their first possession quarterback Joe DiCristina hooked up with John Borsellino on a 45-yard pass and with Sal Mazzulla on a 28-yard touchdown pass to score 39 seconds into the game.
DiCristina added touchdown tosses to Mazzulla and Borsellino before Dex Jones bulled his way to a 33-yard scoring run that put Montini ahead 27-0 at the half.
DiCristina completed 17 of 28 passes for 257 yards and 4 touchdowns before coming out of the game late in the third quarter with Montini leading 37-0.
"We practiced the passing game all week and we executed pretty good," said Mazzulla, who caught 5 passes for 103 yards. "Scoring on the first couple of plays brought them down a little bit."
Three Montini players scored touchdowns in the second half. Kicker Sean Cahill added a 36-yard field goal to help him tally 9 points on the day.
The Broncos outgained the Spartans 422-216 in total yardage, including 316 passing yards.
St. Francis (1-2, 0-1) scored its touchdown midway through the fourth quarter when quarterback Jeff Reckards, who threw for 114 yards, capped a 48-yard drive with a 3-yard scoring run.
Stan Bobowski led the Spartans ground game with 61 rushing yards.
"They just completely dominated us," said St. Francis coach Greg Purnell. "They have a very good football team, and I'll be very surprised if they don't win a state championship."