Burge, Zahm hand Knott a defeated season
By MATT MOONEY, MATT DeNICOLA, and AARON RONSHEIM
Sports Writers
Sunday's game between the Knott Juggs and the Zahm Rabid Bats was one of contrast.
And in a game of opposites, it wasn't just the teams' records which were polar.
In a 21-0 shutout, the Zahm (2-1) defense turned Knott's (0-4) offense stone cold. Utilizing a variety of blitzing schemes, Zahm consistently hurried and put Jugg quarterback Ben Gilfillan under pressure.
"Our defense didn't give them anything on the ground," said Zahm captain Gabe Ibanez. "They were force to pass the whole game and that makes a world of a difference."
The defense forced Gilfillan into difficult passes. Rabid Bat Pat Amato came up with an interception and Zahm scored on the proceeding drive.
However, Zahm attacked Knott aggressively on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Bats used their vaunted air attack to pick apart the Jugg secondary.
Quarterback Dan Burge had a big game, connecting for a touchdown pass and rushing for another. Running back Chris Bystedt added a long touchdown run of his own to cap the Zahm scoring.
"We're proud of [our aggressive offense]," said Ibanez. "[We execute] what we practice and it's what we do well."
Unfortunately for Knott, their methodical running game was no match for the wide open Zahm passing attack.
"Our offense was stagnant because they were blitzing every down and we didn't block well," said Knott captain Brian Schmutzler. "Our defense held pretty well against the run, they just passed all over us."
The game also sends the two teams in totally opposite directions.
Knott finished winless. This season turned out to be a disappointment for the Juggs, having played in the stadium as last year's league runners-up. The goals for their last game of the season were not as they had hoped for at the start of the season.
Instead of playing for a championship, the Juggs merely tried to salvage a win.
"We were just gonna go out there to have fun, play hard," said Schmutzler.
Zahm, on the other hand, now looks to Wednesday's game against Fisher for a chance at the playoffs.
"It'll help if we win against Fisher to give us a better seed. Coming up with a goose egg in this game was pretty big. I think [it helps give us momentum]," said Ibanez.
O'Neill 7, Sorin 7
Coming into Sunday's game, both O'Neill (1-2-1) and Sorin (1-1-1) were in a situation where they could not lose.
And neither did.
However, neither team picked up a crucial win in the playoff race, tying 7-7.
Sorin plays St. Ed's on Wednesday, a game in which Sorin is favored to win. Victory would mean a playoff spot. O'Neill's playoff hopes rely on a Sorin loss, and a hope that the tiebreaker goes in its favor.
However, if Sunday is any indication, O'Neill proved that it can hold its own in the playoffs. The Angry Mob held Sorin to only seven points after they had scored 40 in their first two games. "Our defense played well today," said captain John Enterline.
However, the key play of the game came on offense.
"We got out of the gate really fast," said Enterline. "That really helped us."
Jesse Norman had an interception in the first quarter. On the next play, Nate Schomas ran 25 yards for the touchdown.
Sorin found its way into the endzone for one touchdown, but the rest of the game was a stalemate. The Angry Mob would have liked a win, but they are happy with their performance.
"We moved the ball a lot better this game than in our last two games," said Enterline. "If we get into the playoffs, we are going to keep working on our offense."
However, O'Neill must wait for the outcome of the game on Wednesday. Although the Angry Mob did not secure a spot, this is the first time they have been in contention for the post season. And they will continue to improve.
"We have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot at the end of drives," said Enterline. "We are going to try to cut down on our mistakes."
The Angry Mob has shown progress throughout the season, culminating in a well played final game.
"We are hoping we make it," said Enterline. "But if things don't work out, we are going to build on our success and be much better next year . . . O'Neill football has come a long way."
Siegfried 21, St. Ed's 0
The Siegfried Ramblers completed their undefeated season with a 21-0 win against the St. Edward's Steds.
The Ramblers now can turn their attention to the playoffs. "We are glad to get some rest," said Siegfried quarterback Rob Plumby. "We also get to work on some things. We still need to exucute better."
"The playoffs are a whole different atmosphere. Everybody starts from zero," said Siegfried runningback Travis Smith. "If we play like we are capable of [playing] we can definitely make it to the stadium."
Smith scored all three Siegfried touchdowns on his way to a 100-yard game.
"He is a good runner. When you tackle high like we did, he is going to run through you," said St. Edward's Coach Dan Zeller.
Smith took advantage of the Steds sloppy tackling by breaking tackles on every play.
The Ramblers got off to a quick start. On its first offensive drive from scrimmage Smith scored on a one-yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Ramblers.
"We kind of use the first drive to find out what works." Said Smith. "We try to mix it up pass and run. Then we get the guys to talk to us. They were telling us running was where it was at today."
The running game carried the Ramblers to their second touchdown by counting 40 yards on the drive, including the last four yards by Smith.
Siegfried continued its offensive success by scoring on its first drive of the second half. Again Siegfried went to the ground, as Smith scored his final touchdown of a day on a 12-yard scamper.
Smith credited his big day the Ramblers success to the offensive line.
"Each week the have to show up to play. They win or lose the game for us. Our 4-0 record shows they have," he said.
The St. Edward's offense struggled without their starting quarterback, as the Steds were held to negative ten yards in the first half.
"They really stepped it up today," said Smith. "Our D-line was tough up front. They did a great job today."
St. Edward's, with a record of 0-3, still has one more chance to pull out a win against Sorin Hall.
"It's our seniors' last [game]; we are going come out and give it our all," said St. Edward's coach Dan Zeller.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, October 16, 2001
