Scouting: Montini vs. Benet

Montini (0-1) vs. Benet (1-0)

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, Benedictine University. Last year: Montini 14, Benet 6.

Last week: Sacred Heart-Griffin 28, Montini 14; Benet 21, Oswego East 6.

Outlook: Montini coach Chris Andriano is convinced this Benet team is better than last year's model, which held the Broncos to 7 points until the last minute. One thing's for sure, Andriano's looking for better line play, though respect was shown indirectly in Griffin's rise from No. 10 to No. 2 in the Class 5A poll. Two-way star Ryan Gorrell led Montini backs with 53 yards, an area aiming for greater balance to quarterback Brandon Pechloff and his bevy of receivers. Watch for Driscoll convert Nick Campanella to have greater impact than 52 yards of offense. In a close game kicker Matt Kersten could end it; he's kicked a 51-yard field goal in practice.

Benet coach Gary Goforth calls this group perhaps the most physical in his 20-plus years at the helm, and last week went a long way toward proving it. The Redwings dominated Oswego East by allowing only 63 total yards, including 9 rushing yards and 3-of-19 passing. Linebacker Mike Runger and safety Phil Schmidt were hammers while Jack Manion, who blocked a punt, and Jeff Schmittgens, who recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, came up with the big plays. First-year quarterback Luke Terna looks to keep up the offensive balance after throwing for 120 yards and rushing for 30 last week.

Next week: Montini vs. D.C. Everest (Wis.; 0-1) in Middleton, Wis., Sept. 12; Benet at St. Joseph (1-0), Sept. 12.