Highlanders take their best shots
Before its first round matchup Saturday against Bishop McNamara, Driscoll's football team had never in 33 years squared off against a Chicago Catholic League opponent.
The Highlanders took full advantage of their first shot, burying the Fighting Irish 47-19 to advance to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
The Highlanders made it clear from the outset they could more than hold their own against Bishop McNamara, scoring on their first two drives of the game.
After senior David Schwabe scored from 24 yards out on a quarterback keeper to open the game, the Highlanders (10-0) recovered an onside kick and marched 38 yards downfield for their second score -- all before Bishop McNamara had a chance to touch the ball.
Despite its current streak of six consecutive IHSA titles, Driscoll felt it lacked the proper respect coming into the game.
"We had the right attitude from the get-go, because they're from the Chicago Catholic League and they're the big dogs and stuff, so we wanted to show we could get some respect from them too," Schwabe said.
After surrendering an Anthony Grant touchdown late in the first quarter, Driscoll found itself facing another efficient McNamara drive that led the Fighting Irish to Driscoll's 40-yard line. The Highlanders held tough on fourth down, then swung the momentum back in their favor by driving 60 yards in two plays for a 19-6 advantage.
"The last couple weeks we've had opportunities to put daggers in our opponents and we failed to do that," Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa said. "This week we wanted to make sure we capitalized on our opportunities. We just had the right situation with the wind and things … and we were able to get that touchdown."
From the time Grant's touchdown cut the Driscoll lead to 6 points until four minutes remained in the third quarter, the Highlanders reeled off 35 unanswered points, all but assuring Driscoll its 10th win of the year.
"We came out razor sharp today, and that's what we've been looking for," Burzawa said. "We've actually struggled a little bit offensively the last couple of weeks. We weren't putting up the points, so today we wanted to come out and make it a point to smell the end zone and put the ball in the end zone.
"That's what we emphasized this week and that's what the boys did."
Driscoll stayed balanced on offense all game. Schwabe completed 10 passes for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns, while senior Tim Franken led the rushing attack with 161 yards and 4 scores.