Rabid Bats seek redemption in rematch against Wave
By JOHNNY LEITNER, KATIE DEMENT, AND COLIN BOYLAN
Sports Writers
Defensive tradition takes center stage this Sunday afternoon, when the Fisher Hall Wave collides with the Rabid Bats of Zahm. Both teams, fresh off stellar performances by their defenses, intend on unleashing a ferocious attack against the opposition.
In the past three seasons, the matches between these two powerhouses have all been decided by seven points or less. Last season, Fisher triumphed over Zahm 7-0 on the strength of a special teams touchdown.
Brian Zant, a senior captain for Zahm Hall, anticipates the rivalry to be resumed in similar fashion this year.
"Fisher is always well prepared and plays good defense," Zant said. "We expect a defensive battle."
Zahm's defense held St. Ed's scoreless last week and returned an interception for a touchdown in a 42-0 thrashing of their neighbor dorm. Zant attributes the team's success to physical play in the trenches and a strong performance on special teams.
"We penetrated well and shut down the run, and we didn't give [the St. Ed's quarterback] time to throw," he said.
Despite last week's high-flying scoring showcase, Zahm plans on relying heavily on the strength of their defense this week.
"Fisher is one of the best teams in the league," said Zant.
Fisher Hall also recognizes the significance of defensive play in this
rivalry. According to Fisher captain Dean Korolis, the Wave intends to counter Zahm's threats with solid defense.
"The game plan is to hit hard, then hit harder, then hit even harder," Korolis said.
Korolis was pleased with their defense's performance against Knott last week, a game in which they surrendered only a field goal to the defending champions.
"We played good defense but we have to work on our offensive fundamentals," said the junior captain and linebacker.
Fisher players know that Zahm is coming off of a resounding victory, a game in which they exceeded their point total for the entire 1999 season.
They expect a close game against the Rabid Bats, though, and are confident in their prospects.
While both units emphasize commanding defensive play, they also hope to improve upon their offensive execution from last week. Fisher, shut out by Knott, looks to use their power game against Zahm, while the Zahm Bats are aiming for improved efficiency from their dynamic running and passing combination.
Carroll vs. Knott
New on the interhall scene, Carroll Hall plays last year's champion Knott in a face off that is sure to challenge both teams on Stepan field this Sunday at 2 p.m..
"We are not exactly sure what to expect, we are just going to go out there and see what happens," Carroll team captain Geoff Polk said.
Carroll's 19-0 loss against Siegfried Sunday is not going to bring this rookie team down, according to Polk. Freshman quarterback Mike Demuniz has the potential to prove his skills this game after throwing an interception against Siegfried.
Being back on the circuit gives the Vermin a chance to prove their fresh enthusiasm and driven intensity to move the ball.
"[I hope] that the team will play all game long like they played in the first half against Siegfried," Polk said.
The Vermin are planning to use last weeks game as a model, Polk said.
Knott hopes to use a strong defense to defend their title, Knott player Brian Pawloski said.
"Knott's defense is the blood life of the team," Pawloski said.
Middle linebackers Ed Foy and Dan Zach lead the Juggs defense.
Knott started the season out right, defeating Fisher, 5-0.
"Lou Perry and the rest of the offensive line up did a great job protecting the holes," Pawloski said.
Aiming to improve the offense, a few good practices are scheduled to get Knott even more organized, according to the Juggs.
St. Edwards vs. Sorin
A general theme lingers above this weekend's St. Edward's against Sorin Hall football showdown: the theme of redemption.
For St. Ed's, redemption means proving that they can put forth a better effort than the one they gave last weekend in a defeat to Zahm.
For Sorin, redemption has a very different meaning. Coming on the heels of a season filled with championship expectations, Sorin must reedeem itself for a heartbreaking 24-6 loss to Knott in last year's title game.
Following an opening day bye, Sorin opens the year rested and ready to compete. Its veteran offense is led by quarterback Pete Belden, who is returning to the team following a one-year absence. Belden will throw to wide receivers Greg Carney and Mike Crowe, and handing off to running back Dave Knesek. Protecting him will be a veteran offensive line, anchored by Luke Burke.
The offensive scheme this year should be relatively straightforward, according to Crowe.
"We're going to stick with our bread and butter, which has been downfield passing and running up the middle," he said.
Defensively, the Otters are helped by the versatility of Antione Tobias, who doubles as a receiver and a solid cover cornerback.
And though Sorin would like to explode out of the gate, the Otters are certainly not underestimating their first opponent.
"We're not looking past St. Eds," said Crowe. "Anything can happen in interhall football and we know that."
For the Stedsmen, remaining confident in their own abilities will be the most important aspect of the game. More than anything else, the team would like to gain respect by playing tough against a perennial contender.
"We have nothing to lose out there, so hopefully we can get some things going and score some points this week," said St. Ed's offensive lineman Pete Blouin.
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 22, 2000
