Montini defense shuts down Fenwick

Montini's defense hasn't won a championship yet this season, but it certainly put the Broncos one step closer to the playoffs.

The Broncos defense didn't allow a point in its Chicago Catholic Green 24-7 win over Fenwick, with the Friars' touchdown coming off a punt block that was returned for a touchdown by Harry Bell.

"That was a complete team win," said Montini coach Chris Andriano. "I thought we really played well up front and we were able to run the ball tonight which was really good to see. It sure makes a difference when you can control the clock at the line of scrimmage and you don't feel like the pressure is always on your quarterback to make the play."

Montini (5-3, 2-1) had 3 interceptions, a blocked field goal and was always pressuring the quarterback, which made the Friars offense look flat-out uncomfortable.

Fenwick's bright spot was on the ground, as Pat Donahue racked up a well-earned 95 yards on the night.

Even quarterback Jack Beneventi looked out of sorts against the Montini defense. The senior quarterback completed 8 of 20 passes for 48 yards, having to throw the ball away numerous times. Senior Sean Moorman came in to go 6-of-15 passing for 77 yards.

"I just think we were out of sync most of the night and credit goes to Montini's defense," said Fenwick coach Gene Nudo. "I think they dominated the line of scrimmage and got pass rush on us. We couldn't get receivers open… . We're going to need to be a lot more consistent. We've had two bad offensive games and that's on me, I'm the offensive coach."

On offense Montini also struggled in the pass game but went to work on the ground.

Sophomore running back Prince Walker had 2 touchdowns on the night, with 203 rushing yards and 6 receiving yards.

"My blockers did a great job and my fullback John Embrey did a (heck) of a job," Walker said. "It was great blocking up front, and (I was) making moves in the secondary."

A field goal by Mason Weissenhofer and a rushing touchdown from the Wildcat formation by Leon Thornton III rounded out Montini's 24 points.

With a possible playoff clinching game and conference championship game next week, the momentum is going in Montini's way.

"It's a logjam. Somebody else will be sharing (the conference title), so hopefully we will get the win and be a part of that," Andriano said.