Meadows has magic numbers
Two and three were the magic numbers on Friday night for Rolling Meadows as it convincingly defeated Dyett 48-0 at Robert A. Hoese Athletic Field.
The Mustangs had three players score 2 touchdowns in the shutout as they kept the ball in senior quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's hands virtually the entire night. Sophomore running back Garrett Peterson set the tone early with a 5-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Peterson (36 yards) would later add his second score of the night just before halftime.
Another sophomore, receiver Artie Checchin, hauled in a pair of touchdown catches from Garoppolo of 15 and 9 yards.
Senior receiver Tony Taibi led the game in receptions (4) and receiving yards (73). Taibi also managed to hook-up with Garoppolo on a pair of scoring plays in second and third quarter.
"Getting a win in the first week is a big confidence booster," said Garoppolo. "The intensity picks up next week against Conant and we're looking forward to another big game."
The Mustang offensive line protected their quarterback the entire night as Garoppolo and Co., were rarely hurried. He finished with 107 yards passing and 42 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
It wasn't all offense that led to the Week 1 win for Rolling Meadows, though. A stingy defense was nearly mistake-free the entire game. John Sullivan had a third-quarter interception and junior linebacker Colin Buscarini had a solid game for the Mustangs.
"A shutout really gets you pumped up as a defense," said Sullivan. "We don't feel like we were perfect but this win helps get us ready for next week."
Dyett had most of its roster playing both ways Friday night. Seniors Ricky Harris and Jamal Walls had the most productive nights for the Eagles while quarterback Ryan Hopskins was chased out of the pocket for most of the game.
"You're always glad to get a win in Week 1," said Mustangs coach Doug Millsaps. "Both sides of the ball won this game for us and it gives us something to build on."
Leyden 28, Fenton 0: Angel Maldonado rushed for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns for Leyden and Fenton never crossed midfield in the nonconference game in Northlake.
"(Jeff) Cascella and (Dan) Kiebler just dominated," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said of his senior defensive ends. "We have to clean some things up on offense but it was a good night."
David Rose threw a 30-yard touchdown to Adam Bielech and Matt Aguilar had a 30-yard touchdown run.
Alden-Hebron 63, Christian Liberty 0: Christian Liberty lost its first game in the Northeastern Athletic Conference in Hebron.