From day one of summer practice, their coaches put the pressure on by asking them for an undefeated season.
Two months later, and Saint Ignatius' gifted sophomores stand 8-0 after completing their fall to recall with a 24-3 victory over St. Edward on Wasmer Field Friday night.
“I'm proud of you,” said coach Ryan Franzinger '02, a captain and standout defensive lineman, linebacker and fullback on the Wildcats' 2001 state-championship varsity team. Coach Franzinger emphasized to the JV 'Cats that when a coach says he is proud, it is the highest compliment he can bestow upon his team.
“Thank you for everything," Franzinger continued, as he addressed his players near the Lorain Avenue end zone. “You grew up a little bit this season, and that is what JV football is all about.”
It was all about the passing of heady quarterback Mike LaManna and the clutch receiving of skilled and strong tight end/defensive lineman Kevin Kavalec in the early going, as the two combined on a touchdown pass that, along with the extra-point kick by Alex Staffileno, gave Saint Ignatius a 7-0 lead with 17.8 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After the Wildcats' strong and active defense forced St. Edward to punt from deep in its territory, the 'Cats got a solid return from the versatile Conor Hennessey and took possession at the Eagles' 27-yard line.
It was at that point Saint Ignatius had to overcome some adversity, as consecutive picture-perfect touchdown runs by Mike Gibbons over the right side were both wiped out by penalties. The Wildcats settled for a 29-yard field goal by Staffileno and a 10-3 advantage with 38.5 seconds left in the first half.
The 'Cats, who outscored their eight opponents, 244-73, took command late in the third quarter on a highlight-reel, 73-yard touchdown run down the left sideline by impressive tailback/safety Tim McVey. McVey's ability to get to the corner, fight off tackles and turn on the jets frustrated St. Edward all night.
Saint Ignatius settled the issue on a 24-yard touchdown pass from LaManna to wide receiver Ian Riley, an effort that saw Riley give full extension and go up after the ball. Riley also had a key block during McVey's 73-yard gallop.
Staffileno, who isn't afraid to throw his pads around on special teams, put the frosting on the victory cake by coming up with a late interception. Along with the victory over St. Edward, the Wildcats' junior varsity defeated other traditional Ohio powers such as Lake Catholic (38-8), Glenville (21-14), Cardinal Mooney (28-13), Mentor (42- 21) and Cincinnati St. Xavier (35-7).
A DEMANDING SLATE: After Saturday night's annual rivalry game with St. Edward at Byers Field, the Wildcats' varsity will have faced five teams who have qualified for next weekend's OHSAA regional quarterfinal football playoffs - St. Edward, Mentor, Centerville, St. Xavier and Lake Catholic - and a sixth team, defending national champion Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), that is again undefeated and ranked among the country's elite programs.