St. Viator outscores Marian Central
It was a scoring frenzy at Robert Morris College on Friday night when St. Viator's football team hosted Marian Central on the sopping turf.
The Lions ultimately registered a victory in the touchdown fire sale, winning 48-32 against their East Suburban Catholic Conference rival.
It was almost unfathomable that the first quarter ended at 0-0, but St. Viator senior running back Darreontae Jackson (3 touchdowns, 139 all-purpose yards) and a host of other Lions eventually had their way with the Hurricanes' defense.
"Practice, practice, practice," Jackson said in regard to St. Viator's successful offensive effort. "I have to give credit to the offensive lineman. I made my way through (the trenches) and I was patient. I went fast when I had the openings.
"(The win) builds our confidence. We brought our 'A' game and we brought home the win."
Marian Central was the first to score in the second quarter when junior Matt Darbro booted a 19-yard field goal.
St. Viator (4-2, 3-1) received the ensuing kickoff and never looked back. Lions junior quarterback Bryce Hellgeth linked up with Jackson for a 4-yard touchdown pass.
On the first play of Marian Central's next drive, St. Viator senior linebacker Anthony Citranso snagged an interception that resulted in a 23-yard pick-six as the Lions jumped ahead 14-3 at half.
"The interception was a huge momentum play," said St. Viator coach David Archibald. "To go up two scores that quickly was great for us. It was a good read, good play, huge boost and it sustained the momentum.
"We have some great athletes on both sides. Offensively, it took us a little while to get it started but our guys got confidence and had good execution of the schemes."
When the teams returned from their respective halftimes, the Lions started with the ball in the second half.
Without even a minute ticking off the clock, Jackson made a second appearance in the end zone.
He appeared to be tripped at the line of scrimmage but kept his legs moving and scampered 53 yards for the touchdown.
Less than a minute later following a three-and-out from the Hurricanes, the Lions had another score. This time, junior running back Kennedy Garwin notched one of his two touchdowns.
The rushing success opened the passing game for the Lions as Hellgeth tossed 2 touchdowns as well. He finished with 171 yards through the air and 53 on the ground.
Hellgeth, who was never sacked, credited the offensive line.
"We kept our composure as the O' line led our game," Hellgeth said. "We ran a lot of speed options. Then we were able to start moving the ball through the air when the O-line established its game.
"We have to get back at it (following the win), watch the film and continue our practice schedule. Everything we put on the field is done through practice. We have to get out there and just have fun."
In the third and fourth quarters, the Hurricanes were able to finally create running lanes for junior running back Brian Niemaszek.
Like Jackson, Niemaszek (186 yards from scrimmage; 135 rushing) scored 3 touchdowns. In three consecutive instances he touched the ball and scored.
Although the Hurricanes (2-3, 1-3) minimized the damage to just two scores late in the fourth, St. Viator had too much firepower offensively earlier.
Lions senior Cole Kmet (119 yards receiving) was also able to reach the end zone on a 22-yard jump ball he snagged while double covered.
St. Viator returns to action on the road against a tough St. Patrick opponent next Saturday.
"Last year we were 1-8, so this is a big improvement," Jackson said. "We have to play off the same mentality and keep fighting. It's win or go home right now, and we don't want to go home yet."