INTERHALL FOOTBALL: Zahm grabs playoff spot with 16-7 win
By JOE HETTLER and TREY WILLIAMS
Associate Sports Editor and Sports Writer
Zahm achieved a double victory in its final regular-season game Sunday against Sorin. The 16-7 win gave Zahm a spot in the playoffs.
The Zahmbies (3-1) were again without starting quarterback Mitch Knapke, who was injured in the Oct. 6 game versus St. Edward's.
Zahm was just able to squeak out a victory in that game, with the difference being a late touchdown pass by backup quarterback Dan Burke.
Against Sorin, Burke looked more comfortable. He was working with a much warmer arm and his accuracy was sharper.
"The offense actually got to work with [Burke] in practice last week," said sophomore linebacker Eric Tarnowski. "He felt a little bit more comfortable in his position and was able to execute a lot more."
Practice made perfect as Burke completed a number of key passes, including two touchdown passes to wide receiver Mike Russell. Russell ended the game with more than 100 yards receiving.
"I went out there and I knew that the offense had been struggling a lot," Russell said. "I had to make some big plays and Burke got me the ball. We just wanted it more, and that game was a major turnaround for us."
In addition to Zahm's revamped offense, the team had the power of its stacked defense to support it. Linemen Mitch Lies and Tarnowski limited the Sorin offense to seven points.
"The defense had a new experience," said Tarnowski. "It was our first time against a strong pass-rush offense, and it was good that we were able to shut them down."
Alumni 8, Keough 0
Alumni had only one successful offensive drive Sunday against Keough.
Fortunately for the Dawgs, it was all they needed to win.
Tailback Alex Roodhouse led the Dawgs on a successful drive to a first quarter touchdown and the Alumni defense did the rest, as they beat the Kangoroos 8-0.
"Our defense played strong the whole game," Alumni captain Steve Keppel said. "The defense, especially the guys up front and the line, played great."
Keough captain Andy Hess acknowledged that his team struggled offensively.
"It was pretty close the whole game," Hess said. "Our offense didn't get going until late. Our defense played well. Besides the one touchdown, they shut them down."
Roodhouse led the Alumni offense on its lone touchdown drive. The tailback broke off runs of 10 and 15 yards several times on the drive before scoring on a five-yard run.
Keenan 20, O'Neill 0
Keenan picked up its first win of the season in convincing fashion, pounding O'Neill 20-0 behind a solid all-around effort.
The win keeps the Knights' playoff chances alive for at least one more week.
The difference in this week's game was improvement in Keenan's tackling ability, said captain Brent Morlok.
"The key this week was our tackling," Morlok said. "We tackled a lot better than last week against Dillon. [Dillion] broke a lot of tackles, but that didn't happen this week."
Backup quarterback Josh Gentine started in place of injured starter Patrick Downsey and had a good performance. He threw for a touchdown and also ran one into the end zone.
"[Gentine] only had two practices," Morlok said. "He did really well and kept his cool."
With the loss, O'Neill ended its season at 0-4.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, October 16, 2002
