Carmel put it all together

With a couple of weeks before the playoffs begin, Carmel Catholic wasn't going to miss out on an opportunity to get prepared.

The Corsairs didn't let anything get in their way on Friday night as they steamrolled past visiting St. Patrick 42-7 in an East Suburban Catholic Conference game in Mundelein.

Carmel's Mike Taylor (22 carries, 195 yards) rushed for 3 touchdowns (of 3, 6 and 60 yards), Eric Stevenson (3 receptions, 57 yards) caught 2 touchdowns (18 and 22) from quarterback Andrew Nerup, and Nerup ran in a score from 14 yards out.

Meanwhile, the Corsairs' defense held the Shamrocks to 118 yards - all on the ground - and 4 first downs.

"We put it all together," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said. "It's the first time in a long time. The offense, defense and special teams that we won all three phases. We beat a quality team like St. Patrick. We executed in all three phases of the game against a team that's going to the playoffs."

The Corsairs (7-1, 5-1) have one remaining game on the road, next Saturday at Nazareth Academy.

Taylor broke free for the longest run of 60 yards on Friday night on the first play of the second half.

"Offensive line was doing great," said Taylor on his long scamper. "I can't say much about what I was doing. I just saw the hole and was going straight. I'm just doing my job.

"At fullback, it's never too easy. You get hit every play. It's hard out there even though it looks easy on the scoreboard."

For the second straight week, Stevenson caught a couple of passes for touchdowns. The Corsairs are mixing up its attack between the run and the pass.

"Andrew (Nerup) throws some great passes," Stevenson said. "I was just getting open.

"We're definitely passing more than last year and it's working. We're getting some good blocks on the passing and Andrew is seeing the guys who are open. I don't mind getting touchdowns, whether it's by the run or the pass."

The Shamrocks (5-3, 3-3) never got moving all game long. Carmel dictated what type of game was going to be played.

"Carmel executed all night long," St. Patrick coach Dan Galante said. "We knew coming in they were 6-1 for a reason. When you go like that in this league than we got our hands full. Carmel proved it and on top of it, this is always a tough place to play.

"Carmel's defense has been good all year. They fly around, they're active and very aggressive. Carmel took us out of what we wanted to do. In every phase of the game they performed. Flat out we just couldn't get it done."