Scouting: Marian C. @ Marmion
Marian Central (2-1, 1-0) at Marmion (2-1, 1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
Last year: Marian Central 28, Marmion 6.
Last week: Marian Central 56, Aurora Central 7; Marmion 20, St. Francis 7.
Outlook: Upending the defending Class 5A state champs was an achievement, but noting the closeness of past games with St. Francis, Marmion coach Dan Thorpe was not breaking his arm patting himself on the back. "The players and coaches are probably the only ones who expected us to win," he said. The Cadets used outstanding individual play, expert game planning and execution, as eight different defensive fronts confused St. Francis' blockers. Senior linebacker-fullback Bobby Winkel caused a fumble, scored Marmion's first touchdown off that fumble, averaged around 40 yards a punt and intercepted a pass that helped seal the deal. Speedy quarterback Will Sterne ran 50 yards for a touchdown and threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Nick Scoliere - who recovered both the fumble Winkel caused and a muffed punt to put St. Francis out of its misery. Defensive end Alex Strong also recovered a fumble, kicker Chris Tydd didn't give St. Francis' return men much to work with, and linebacker T.J. Lally came up to stuff the Wing-T - though back spasms make him questionable for Marian Central. "We won the game within the game - and that is field position, getting two, three first downs, and punt the ball," Thorpe said. His goal is a similar outing against Marian, which steamrolled Aurora Central behind 6-3 flanker Curtis Price, 6-2 tight end Adam Szudarski, running backs Cory Cavit, Adam Stone and Jerry Koch, and an offensive line that offers four players at least 6-foot-4, 245. Quarterback Ben Krohl, 6-6 himself, connected with four different receivers for touchdowns. These Hurricanes aren't as likely to peter out; line coach Terry Stanger said they've got 33 players this season, "a banner year for us." For Marmion to continue its banner streak - possibly aided by speed back Matt Pircon (shoulder), who dressed last week just for show - it'll be a replay of last week. "We'll beat them with speed and we'll beat them just the way we beat St. Francis," Thorpe said. "Don't turn the ball over, don't commit penalties, stay away from the big play, punt the ball. Keep it simple."
Next week: Immaculate Conception (1-2) at Marian Central, Sept. 25; Guerin (1-2) at Marmion, Sept. 26.