By Steve Millar
Correspondent
Marist head coach Ron Dawczak sees his defense improving each week.
After the RedHawks held St. Viator to seven points and Joliet Catholic to six in their previous two games, respectively, they recorded their first shutout of the season Friday night, beating host Marian Catholic 42-0 in an East Suburban Catholic game.
“I was happy about the way our defense played,” Dawczak said. “Our kids were running to the ball, gang tackling. It’s good to see them continuing to make progress week after week.
“Our message to the team every week is it doesn’t matter who we play. We want to focus on us and being the best we can be week in and out. We talk about fearing nobody but respecting everybody.”
Nile Hill and Kivonte Houston each had an interception lead the RedHawks’ defense, with Houston recording six tackles.
Marist (5-1, 4-0) jumped to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back against the Spartans (1-4, 0-4) as Dawczak gave big minutes to many of his reserves.
“Everybody works really hard during the week, so if we get an opportunity to get them in games, get our starters some rest, that’s something we want to do,” Dawczak said. “A lot of guys were able to get in and I was proud of the way they played. They gave a good group effort.”
Hayden Mikesell completed 12 of 17 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns for Marist, with Declan Ryan (3 catches, 78 yards) and Billy Skalitzky recording touchdown catches.
Jahlen Williams ran for two touchdowns, and AJ Markett had a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown for the RedHawks, who visit Nazareth (6-0, 4-0) on Friday in a battle for first in the ESCC.
St. Edward 21, Chicago Christian 14
Jonathan Griffin ran for 65 on nine carries and caught two passes for 94 yards, but Chicago Christian fell in a Metro Suburban Red contest. The Knights dropped their second straight game after starting the year with four consecutive wins.
Jeffrey Smith completed 3 of 4 passes for 100 yards and made eight tackles, while Jake Kracinski also finished with eight tackles for the Knights.
Chicago Christian (4-2,1-2) will visit St. Joseph (1-5) on Friday.
Eisenhower 32, Evergreen Park 21
Junior Sean Wilkinson rushed eight times for 81 yards and two touchdowns for Evergreen Park (4-2, 2-2) in the South Suburban Red road game. Karlton Carpenter had three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.
The Mustangs play at Argo (2-4, 0-3) on Friday.
Fenwick 28, St. Laurence 27 (OT)
Nate Thomas ran for four touchdowns, including an 81-yarder, for the visiting Vikings (2-4, 1-1) in the Catholic League Green game. Thomas’ touchdown run in overtime pulled St. Laurence within one, but a potential game-winning two-point conversion came up short.
St. Laurence hosts St. Rita (1-5) on Friday.
Lincoln-Way Central 30, Stagg 0
Reide Modiest ran for 42 yards on 15 carries for visiting Stagg (2-4, 2-2) in the SouthWest Suburban game. D.C. Green had six tackles for the Chargers, who visit Sandburg on Friday.
Lincoln-Way West 24, Sandburg 14
Ben Starcevich threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns for host Sandburg (2-4, 0-4) in the SouthWest Suburban game.
Marvin Awgomoh had two touchdown catches as Sandburg jumped to a 14-3 first-quarter lead but could not sustain momentum.
The Eagles host Stagg on Friday.
College Football
St. Xavier 49, Taylor (Ind.) 36
Justin Hunniford completed 38 of 55 passes for 422 yards and six touchdowns in his first start of the season to lead visiting St. Xavier (3-3).
Hunniford also ran for a touchdown, while Harold Davis had 13 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown.
St. Xavier hosts Robert Morris (1-4) on Saturday.