Presented by Eddie Dwyer, courtesy of the scoring breakdown and play by play description from Wildcats outstanding Varsity and Junior Varsity Assistant Coach Jim Cahill '89 and 'Cats' JV wide receiver Billy Spear. Always credit your sources gentlemen, even in this day of unaccountable journalism.
Novi, Michigan - Gifted sophomore wide receiver/defensive/kick returner Connor Cmiel set the tempo for the JV 'Cats by returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. It marked Connor's fourth kickoff return for a touchdown this season.
The Junior Varsity Wildcats of Head Coach Paul Yappel now stand 3-1 on the season and Detroit Catholic Central's Jayvees slipped to 2-2.
In the words of Saint Ignatius' outstanding Varsity/Junior Varsity Assistant Coach Jim Cahill '89, the JV 'Cats boarded the buses from Saint Ignatius early Saturday morning and remembered to pack all phases of the game - offense, defense and special teams.
After Cmiel stunned the Shamrocks' faithful, who were among the near capacity crowd, the defense shut the Catholic Central offense down on its first possession and forced a punt from deep in Shamrock territory.
Ever-present sophomore defensive back Merrick Hartley and Cmiel stormed the punter from the left side and blocked the punt, with sophomore linebacker/ running back Jack Welcsh making the recovery.
The Wildcats wasted no time, as three plays later promising sophomore quarterback Griffin Hanna found sure-handed and smooth route-running sophomore wide receiver Erik Daugenti in the right side of the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown reception.
After another defensive stop that featured exceptional efforts from Sam Daugstrup, Jake Lang, and Connor Francz, the Wildcats took possession at the Shamrock 36 and continued their opening quarter scoring barrage.
This time it was smooth and savvy sophomore tailback James Crosby carrying the load. James, showing great vision and balance, took a handoff and headed to the left side, made a cut up the middle and found pay dirt from 10 yards out. Mr. Reliable, Rory "Money" McConville, sent home his third extra point of the first quarter to put the Wildcats ahead, 21-0.
The defense continued to dominate their side of the ball and the offensive onslaught was still churning in the second quarter.
On the 'Cats' first possession of the second quarter, Hanna again found Daugenti, this time for a 60-yard scoring strike that gave Saint Ignatius a four touchdown lead.
The play of the first half was made on the Shamrocks' ensuing possession. On third and long, sophomore two-way lineman Nick Schwitzgebel over powered his blocker, timed his jump, batted the quarterback's pass into the air and intercepted the ball.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats were unable to capitalize on the play, but the second quarter scoring was not over.
The Shamrocks fumbled a punt and the Wildcat offense struck again when sophomore quarterback Pat Keane (subbing for Hanna) took the snap and handed the ball to Crosby, who swept the right side and scored his second touchdown from 7 yards out. The Wildcats had a commanding 35-0 halftime lead.
With the Wildcats up by more than 30 points, the second half was played with a running clock and Coach Yappel would begin to empty his bench, but not before the play of the second half.
With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, sophomore two-way lineman Anthony Gerace shed a block, grabbed the quarterback and simultaneously took the ball from him and raced into end zone to cap the Wildcats' scoring.
On the strength of the JV 'Cats' dominant performance, the No. 1 Freshmen Team's 22-20 victory over the DCC ninth graders on Saturday in Novi, and the 38-7 triumph over Detroit Catholic Central by the Varsity Football Wildcats on Friday night at Byers Field, Saint Ignatius went Sweep City on the Shamrocks.
JUST ANOTHER REMINDER: For those many fans who inquired, St. Edward will travel to Wasmer Field on Monday for a 6 PM game that is being designated as a Junior Varsity matchup. The game will feature players from both schools Varsity football programs, players who have dedicated their efforts in practice and on scout teams, but normally don't see a lot of minutes in Varsity games.
Wildcats Hall of Fame Head Coach Chuck Kyle '69 and St. Edward's outstanding Head Coach Tom Lombardo agreed on having such a game, which will not count on the respective overall records, but should be a great benefit to both schools' football programs.
The Wildcats and the Eagles will still compete in their traditional Week 10 Junior Varsity Game, which this year is being played at St. Edward, and of course they will matchup in what could be the area's game of the year in Varsity Football on Oct. 28th at 7 PM in Lakewood Stadium, AKA "The Madhouse on Madison."