Marian Central football stays perfect

Marian Central Catholic High School head football coach Ed Brucker became the winningest coach in school history, 82-27, Oct. 10 with the Hurricanes’ 49-24 win over the Montini Broncos. The victory extended Marian’s undefeated record to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division. 

“Even when we got behind 17 [points], it felt like,  if we just settled down, we’d be alright,” said head coach Ed Brucker, noting that despite three uncharacteristic fumbles, he knew the Hurricanes could work their way back. “This group has never given up. 

“Go back to the first game last year with Oswego,” added Brucker. “We were down 22 points in the third quarter. We came back and won. They are a group that plays until the end.”

Both the offense and defense lived up to their reputations. With 7:58 left in the first quarter, the 17-0 score on the clock was hard to believe, yet the Hurricanes plowed through a nine-play series following the Broncos’ (5-2 overall; 2-1 SCC Blue) successful 38-yard field goal.

“We learned that if we play hard, keep our heads in the game and keep battling, no one can stop us,” said senior Tommy Waytula, who recorded three receptions for 46 yards including a 10-yard touchdown pass. “When we were down, Chris [Streveler] and [Kurtis] Stirneman were telling everyone on the sideline to stay in the game.”

The psychology worked. The Hurricanes answered the Bronco’s third and final touchdown with two of their own to close the gap to three points at the half. The ’Canes then steamrolled through the third quarter, recording 12 first downs and three touchdowns. 

“Our offensive line played very well,  and Ephraim [Lee] was running very hard,” said University of Minnesota-bound senior quarterback Chris Streveler,  who completed 17 of 19 for 203 yards. “Our receivers were making catches when we threw. We didn’t throw all that much, but whatever you have to do to win works for me.”

Streveler proved his teammates’ effort worked for him by rushing for four touchdowns. He also threw to junior Ephraim Lee, who had 147 yards rushing on 21 carries, senior Greg Walczak with nine receptions for 118 yards and Waytula with three receptions for 46 yards.

On defense, senior Tyler Hickey and junior Chris Daniels recorded interceptions. Junior defensive end Thomas Lesniewski had two sacks, including one for a loss of 10 yards. Daniels, Lesniewski, junior Tom Klinger and senior Stevie Garrelts added four tackles each. Garrelts and senior Liam Kirwan each recorded an assist, while Daniels logged two assists.

The Hurricanes have two conference games left to finish in the 2012 regular season schedule. They will first hit the road to play St. Edward (2-5 overall; 1-3 SCC) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. They will return to George Harding Field to host Wheaton Academy (3-4 overall; 2-1 SCC Blue) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19.

Wheaton Academy defeated St. Edward 12-7 in week seven play. 

St. Edward’s sole touchdown came in the third quarter. Wheaton scored once during the third and fourth quarters. Montini defeated Wheaton 35-0 in week three.