Scouting Montini @ Aurora Central
Montini (3-3, 0-2) at Aurora Central Catholic (1-5, 0-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today
Last year Montini 49, ACC 7.
Last week Marian Central 20, Montini 14 (OT); Marmion 21, ACC 0.
Outlook The win would have been better, but considering strength of opponent Aurora Central's performance last week may be the Chargers' best, including the 62-21 romp over first-year program Michigan Lutheran. ACC got hurt by a pass interference call and lost fumble that led to Marmion scores, and back T.J. Lally burned the Chargers a couple times on the ground. But ACC backs Alex Schaefer and Andrew Scott were able to run the ball, each a minimum of 14 times, and the defense allowed the Suburban Christian Conference Blue leader only 9 first downs while owning time of possession by more than 6 minutes. Brothers Andrew and Tyler Scott and Mike Ryan stuffed up the middle. "The kids played well defensively," Chargers coach Mike Curry said. "We played probably about as good as we can play." Well guess what, they'll need to again, this time against Montini's arsenal of weapons. The Broncos, who led Marian Central 14-7 at halftime, had what initially looked to be a touchdown catch stripped away and intercepted in overtime. Montini's other losses came to reigning state champions: Sacred Heart-Griffin, 28-14; and St. Francis, 51-31. Quarterback Brandon Pechloff, 6-foot-6, runs primarily one-back sets designed to get the ball to backs Nick Campanella and Ryan Gorrell and receivers Anthony Taylor and the Westerkamp brothers, Jordan and Christian. All are very athletic and, as Curry said, capable of turning a 2-yard gain into a 60-yard gain. Aurora Central's strength is on the line, which was Montini coach Chris Andriano's early concern, though they've obviously gained experience. Pass defense, tackling and blocking well enough for Andrew Scott and Schaefer to sustain offensive drives - without the mistakes that end them - is ACC's goal. "No one has quit on this team," Curry said. "No one."
Next Montini at Wheaton Academy (4-2); Aurora Central Catholic at Immaculate Conception (2-4).