EAGLES START FAST AND GO ON TO COMPLETE A PERFECT REGULAR SEASON BY DEFEATING THE WILDCATS.
'CATS HANG TOUGH FOR MOST OF THE SECOND HALF AS JOE GRECO BRINGS A SPARK TO THE OFFENSE.
By Eddie Dwyer
Copyright, Oct. 2010
As he made his way to the team bus on Saturday night, Saint Ignatius senior quarterback Joe Greco took time to reflect on a season that had its challenges and disappointments, yet a fall that in many ways built character and lasting friendships.
“Sure, we're disappointed that we're not going to the playoffs,” Greco said, referring to the fact that the Wildcats entered Saturday night's annual rivalry with St. Edward knowing that no matter what the outcome, their tradition-rich football program would not be playing in November for the first time since 1987.
“But it is so much more than that,” Greco continued. “I grew up with these guys the last four years. We have a special bond. It was a pleasure to be their teammate, and I would do anything I could for them.”
Saint Ignatius, winner of a state-record 10 Division I state championships, including an Ohio-best five in a row (1991-95), experienced its first sub-.500 season since 1982 after losing to the undefeated and nationally ranked Eagles, 33-10, in Parma's Byers Field.
It marks the first time in Chuck Kyle's remarkable 28-year career as head coach that the Wildcats (4-6) closed their season below the .500 mark
“If someone told me 28 years ago that I would have only one of these, I'd take it,” said Coach Kyle '69, whose career record of 277-65-1 also includes three national titles (1989, '93 and '95) and 13 Region 1 championships, including nine consecutive regional crowns from 1991-'99.
“This year, we had 268 kids in the program,” Coach Kyle said. “Kids like playing for us. So we'll regroup, set even higher standards and start a new streak.”
St. Edward, which trails the all-time series against Saint Ignatius, 25-21-1, snapped a four-game losing streak to the Wildcats.
The Eagles (10-0), who will host Mentor (7-3) in a regional-quarterfinal playoff game on Nov. 6, came out strong Saturday night and, behind a deep running game and the leadership of quarterback Kevin Burke, took a 7-0 lead on a nine-play, 80-yard drive.
Saint Ignatius, which completed one of the most demanding schedules in its football history, responded with an interception by standout junior safety Mike Svetina, an effort that led to a 50-yard field goal by junior Tim Shenk with four minutes, 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After Shenk drove another kickoff out of the end zone, St. Edward followed the lead of its highly regarded offensive line and pushed its advantage to 14-3 off another 80-yard march.
Following a short punt, the Eagles took over at the Saint Ignatius 33. Two plays later, Burke connected with Chris Connors on a 29-yard touchdown pass.
The Wildcats' young and injury-riddled defense, which put forth a stronger effort than the final score would indicate, came up with a goal-line stand and stopped St. Edward for no gain on fourth down from the Saint Ignatius 1-yard line.
It was a short-lived boost, however, as on the very next play the Eagles' defense recorded a safety.
For most of the first 24 minutes, the Wildcats couldn't sustain an offensive attack. They managed just 40 yards of offense in the first half.
Greco, who replaced starter Matt Hoyer late in the second quarter, engineered an impressive nine-play drive on the first possession of the second half. It was a sustained effort that included a 44-yard run by junior tailback Dan Grace off a draw play, and was highlighted by a fourth-and-goal from the 3 that saw Greco roll right and find junior tight end Blake Thomas in the end zone. Shenk's extra point was high and true, and Saint Ignatius trailed, 23-10.
With Mr. Momentum edging so slightly to the Ridge Road side of Byers Field, the Wildcats forced a punt and took possession at the St. Edward 46.
Momentum is a fickle friend, however, and, after it was ruled that Thomas fumbled during a play in which he appeared to be down before the ball came loose, the Eagles were awarded possession at their 43.
From there, Coach Rick Finotti's team regained control with a 10-point fourth quarter.