Frantic finish as Benet falls short

Connor Gavin returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to seal a turbulent 35-31 Notre Dame win over Benet in Niles on Friday.

Gavin's return was the signature play in a wild second half that saw both teams score a combined 59 points.

"Every time we play Benet it's a game like this," said Notre Dame coach Mike Hennessey. "There's never any quit in both teams."

The Redwings converted on just 1 of 5 third-down conversions in the first half and had their most productive drive end by turning the ball over on downs.

The Dons broke the scoreless tie when senior quarterback Tim Whalen found junior Brian Fitzsimmons open in the end zone. Notre Dame led 7-0 at halftime.

The first play from scrimmage in the second half became a metaphor for the rest of the game. Whalen mishandled an awkward snap and the Redwings jumped on the ball.

Two plays later the Redwings had their first points of the game after a 2-yard touchdown run by senior Pat Boyle.

The Dons answered when Jeremy Burgos broke free for 25 yards and a touchdown to extend the Notre Dame lead to 14-6.

The Redwings offense countered with a drive that left them facing fourth-and-1 from the Notre Dame 25. Boyle broke free at the line of scrimmage and scored to officially swing all the momentum in Benet's favor.

Whalen's only major mistake of the game was an interception to Benet linebacker Jim Lynch midway through the pandemonium-filled third quarter.

Benet starting quarterback Nick Mankowski made the Dons pay for the turnover by finding a diving Connor Nelligan for a 23-yard touchdown strike.

(Nelligan's) the catalyst, Hennessey said. "If you put the ball in his hands, anything can happen."

Nelligan wasn't done torching the defense. In the opening minute of the fourth he busted free on a go-route and came away with a 56-yard touchdown reception. Benet led 25-14.

The Dons refused to quit midway through the fourth when Whalen hooked up with Jack McAndrew for a 32-yard touchdown pass.

Notre Dame trailed by 5 with four minutes remaining and forced a Benet three-and-out. The Dons blocked the ensuing punt and Gavin returned it to seal the victory.

Benet backup quarterback T.J. Rickert entered late in the fourth after Mankowski was sidelined with an injury. Rickert had an interception and a touchdown pass to senior EJ Howe.

Benet will host Glenbard South next Friday while Notre Dame travels to Marian Catholic.