Montini defense kept the hits, fumbles coming
CHAMPAIGN -- Montini's spread offense had heads turning.
Installed in 2007 with the arrival of Lewis Borsellino as offensive coordinator, the Broncos' spread has been the trademark of a team that in four seasons has won 42 games and two state titles.
Montini coach Chris Andriano said getting Borsellino on board was “the best thing I've ever done.”
The defense?
“I think we're underestimated, sure. Definitely,” senior three-year starting defensive tackle Ross Ferraro said after Montini's 34-21 win over Chatham Glenwood.
While the offense racked up 4,987 yards this year, the Broncos' 4-3 defensive scheme got better all season long. Teams such as semifinal foe Kaneland discovered the Broncos bring speed, not just hard hits.
“Our offense got a lot of attention all year, deservedly so, there's some unbelievable players. But we take a lot of pride in coming out every game and being physical,” said defensive coordinator Mike Bukovsky, whose 11 state championships between football and wrestling may have him ordering a toe-sized ring.
“We've accomplished a lot this year as a defensive unit,” he said. “This group of seniors, I've got a couple three-year starters there in the middle with Ferraro and (Alex) Walters and (Doug) Diedrick. Those guys are just very special and they've done a super job all year.”
Saturday Walters intercepted a Glenwood pass and the Broncos forced 6 fumbles 2 by defensive tackle Phil Giordano, 1 each by linebacker Franklin Bruscianelli and cornerback J.R. Campise, another by receiver Dan Smego on kick coverage.
“Every day we're hitting, and we hit hard,” Walters said. “That's where the fumbles come from. We knew this was our last season. Ever since we were freshmen we knew this was going to be the dream team.”
It was a dream-team win, but senior defensive end Zech “Bubba” Tredenick, who transferred to Montini when Driscoll closed, topped the stat sheet with a team-high 9 tackles. A title-game record 6 went for loss, including a record 4 sacks.
“This is just a dream come true,” Tredenick said. “You only dream about these things. To repeat is just unbelievable. I love all these guys, and it was nothing but amazing. To come from Driscoll, come over to Montini, win two state championships, it's just a dream for me.”