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@SIHSSportsIgnatiuswildcats.comsihsathletics2021 GAME NOTESGAME NINE:ST. XAVIERsihssports1
THE MATCHUPTeam InformationSaint Ignatius High School: 4-4OHSAA Division I, Region 1Head Coach: Chuck Kyle ’69Record at School: 365-103-1Overall Record: 365-103-1atSt. XavierBOMBERSSaint IgnatiusWILDCATSOctober 16, 2021Media InformationPAT CATAN STADIUMKickoff: 4 p.m.Saint Ignatius 2021 ScheduleDate OpponentTime/Score8/20 @ SpringfieldL, 20-248/27 @ MentorL, 26-289/4 vs. Mount St. Joseph (MD)W, 20-69/10 @ EuclidW, 44-149/18 vs. Archbishop HobanW, 33-279/25 vs. River Rouge (MI)W, 24-1210/2 @ St. EdwardL, 14-1910/9 @ Archbishop MoellerL, 28-29 OT10/16 vs. St. Xavier4:00 p.m.10/23 vs. Clarkson Football North (ONT)2:00 p.m.MEDIA POLICIES The press box and loges are for media, schooladministrators, and coaches only.Spectators will not be allowed to enter or use thepress box or loges. Media wishing to conduct postgame interviews mustconsult a member of the school’s Athletic Departmentor Communications Department before doing so. Approved media or photo credentials can be obtained at the Media Will Call window located in theDay Drive ticket booth of Byers Field. The Will Callwindow opens approximately 90 minutes before thegame.2St. Xavier Bombers: 7-1OHSAA Division I, Region 4Head Coach: Steve SpechtRecord at School: 161-59Overall Record: 161-59For information and credentialrequests, contact:Joe Mertens ‘15Communications Coordinatorfor Athletics(P): 216-651-0222 x4242email: jmertens@ignatius.eduFor full coverage of the Wildcats,visit ignatiuswildcats.com.Broadcast InformationSaint Ignatius BroadcastingNetworkPlay-by-Play: Danny Gibel ‘22Color Analyst: Andrew Gus ’22Analyst/Show Host: Drew Pieschalski ’23Patrick Laudolff ‘24Student Photographer: Anthony McFarlin ‘23Moderator: Joe Mertens ‘15(P): 216-651-0222 x4242email: jmertens@ignatius.edu2021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ABOUT THE WILDCATS .Previous Matchupsvs. St. Xavier HAHAHAHAHANHAHHANHState Champ. 2OTOT3OTState Champ.State Champ.SERIES HISTORYMeetings.28First Meeting.10/26/1991Most Recent Meeting.10/3/2020Saint Ignatius Wins.13Last Saint Ignatius Win.10/20/18St. Xavier Wins.15Last St. Xavier Win.10/3/20Ties.0Longest Winning Streaks in SeriesSaint Ignatius.4; 10/26/91-10/25/97St. Xavier.6; 10/19/02-10/20/07Current Streak.St. Xavier, 2Largest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.31 points; 12/1/01St. Xavier.25 points; 10/3/20Ignatiuswildcats.comWildcats Storylines .THE JESUIT BOWL: For the 23rd straight season, the Wildcats andBombers will square off in the Jesuit Bowl. This will be the 29th evermeeting between the cross-state rivals as St. Xavier owns a 15-13 recordover St. Ignatius. The two Jesuit programs have had their fair share ofmemorable games and playoff performances as fans look for another JesuitClassic. These two programs have squared off in three State Championships,most recently in 2016, where the Bombers came away with a 27-20 victoryin double overtime at Ohio Stadium. The match-up will be played at PatCatan Stadium in Strongsville as Saint Ignatius celebrates the 30-20-10 yearanniversary of State Champions. The Wildcats welcome back members ofthe 1991, 2001 and 2011 State Champion teams.FEED MARTY: Marty Lenehan scored a career-high four touchdowns againstArchbishop Moeller last Saturday. The senior toted the rock 23 times for 90yards and the Crusaders could not find an answer to slow Lenehan down inthe second half. In the overtime period, Lenehan was responsible for all 20yards to put the Wildcats up seven. The senior running back is crucial forthe success of the Wildcat offense. The Cats will need to continue to feedMarty in week nine vs. St. Xavier.RISING STARS: Saint Ignatius saw a pair of JV players give the offense aspark on offense last week vs. Moeller. Joshua Papesh took over atquarterback for the second half and Sean Martin saw time at running back,giving Lenehan a breather. On the first offensive possession of the secondhalf, the two sophomores led the Cats downfield to set up a three-yardLenehan touchdown run to knot the game at 14. The combo of Papesh andMartin left the Wildcat faithful wanting more as both have had tremendoussuccess on JV this season.THREE MEN FRONT: The defensive line has played excellent footballthrough this season, limiting an opposition’s run game while making lifedifficult for a quarterback with little time in the pocket. Peter Chalhoub,Thomas Wasinski and Will Robinson pave the way in defensive coordinatorRyan Franzinger’s ’02 3-4 defense, taking up space in the trenches. Seniordefensive end Peter Chalhoub had five tackles, including key, third downstops to slow Noah Geselbracht. The line will face another challenge againsta high-powered St. Xavier offense.JACK RABBIT: Joey Georges is nicknamed the jackrabbit for his quick feeton the football field. Last week, Georges was phenomenal on thespecial teams unit as he seemed always to be the first one down to greetthe returner. Georges speed paid off mid-way through the second quarteras he would recover a muffed punt. This set up the Wildcats’ first score ofthe game, which began to turn the tide for the Wildcats.IN ELDRIDGE WE TRUST: Zeb Eldridge was busy against the ArchbishopMoeller Crusaders. The senior kicker punted the football ten times as hewould pin the Crusader offense with each kick. Eldridge would have threepunts inside the 20 that would set back the Crusader offense helping theWildcat defense. Eldridge averaged 46.5 yards per punt and is an absoluteweapon on special teams. Eldridge also was a perfect 4-of-4 with PAT kicksagainst the Crusaders.OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: The captains for the 2021 season are #22 MartyLenehan, #34 Christopher Aerni, #95 Peter Chalhoub and #99 ThomasWasinski.3
ABOUT ST. XAVIER .Learning about the Bombers .2021 St. XavierSCOUTING MCCAUGHEY: The signal-caller for the Bombers thisseason is Brogan McCaughey. The 6’2” 189 quarterback leads anoffense that averages 43 points per game as one of the premierteams in the state. McCaughey is second in the GCL South inpassing yards with 1,737. The senior quarterback has not thrownan interception this season and has tossed 21 touchdown passes.A week ago vs. La Salle, McCaughey was 15-of-19 throwing theball for 333 yards and three touchdowns in the 49-14 win.McCaughey is looking to repeat as a State Champion with theBombers in 2021.THE CHARLES TRAIN: The Bombers have a balanced offensebetween the pass and the run; when it comes to the groundgame, St. Xavier has a unique back in Charles Kellom. Kellom hasreceived just one college offer, but that number will surely growby the end of the football season. Kellom has rushed for 800yards on 155 carries, racking up 18 touchdowns through eightweeks of football. Last season against Saint Ignatius, Kellomrushed for 146 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns in the62-37 win. Kellom is a handful and a player that the Cats defensemust slow down.MONEY MCFARLIN: The favorite target this season forMcCaughey is senior wide receiver, Terrell McFarlin. With just asmall space of separation, McFarlin strikes for a big play. That wason display last week vs. La Salle as McFarlin’s highlight play wasa 55-yard touchdown reception. It was a career day for McFarlinwith seven receptions; he totaled 188 yards and threetouchdowns. The senior target has eclipsed the century markreceiving in five games this season. With no signs of slowingdown, McFarlin will be a handful for the Wildcats secondary.Other targets include Duke commit Max Klare at the tight endposition.LOAD THE BOX: Along with having one of the most explosiveoffenses in Ohio, the Bombers include one of the best defensesas well, allowing just 13.5 points per game in 2021. The interior forSt. Xavier has been tremendous as leading the way is the sackleader and linebacker Marque Cummings. Cummings this seasonhas totaled 7.5 sacks. Grant Lyons spotlights a dominatingdefensive line with 35 total tackles. What is even more impressivefor Lyons is he has three interceptions this season, along with apick-six in the season opener vs. Lakota West. Lyons will beplaying Division I football next season at Miami of Ohio.ELI ISLAND: Eli Kirk leads the secondary for St. Xavier. Kirk andthe Bombers secondary have allowed their opponents just 113.3yards per game through the air. Kirk has an interception this season has matched up against offenses number one receivers. Kirkwill be matched up against Patrick Tompkins in the Jesuit Bowl.4ScheduleAug. 20vs. Lakota WestW, 31-14Aug. 27@ ColerainW, 42-7Sept. 3@ Olentangy LibertyW, 49-0Sept. 10@ Penn (IN)W, 41-10Sept. 17@ Archbishop MoellerW, 49-16Sept. 24vs. Cincinnati ElderW, 52-14Oct. 1vs. Trinity (KY)L, 32-33Oct. 8vs. La SalleW, 49-14Oct. 16@ Saint Ignatius4:00 p.m.Oct. 22vs. Eagles Landing Christian Academy (GA)7:00 p.m.DIVISION I AP POLL(Week 8 State Poll)1. Lakewood St. Edward (14)8-01692. Springfield (1)7-01403. Medina8-01364. Cincinnati St. Xavier (2)7-11315. Marysville (1)7-01176. Upper Arlington8-0857. West Chester Lakota West6-1628. New Albany8-0599. Pickerington Central7-12510. Pickerington North7-1142021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
BY THE NUMBERS/ WILDCATS TO WATCH237Total yards of offensevs. Moeller24:14Time of possessionvs. Moeller13-3When playing onOctober 16.349Yards allowed inweek 83Interceptions by thedefense vs. theCrusaders (Spellacy,Norris, Mangan)21-16Coach Chuck Kyle’srecord in week 9Ignatiuswildcats.comRB SEAN MARTIN ‘24The Wildcat faithful saw a flashof what the future may look likewith Saint Ignatius football atthe start of the second half vs.Moeller. Joshua Papesh steppedin at quarterback and his sidecarwas sophomore Sean Martin.This season, Martin has made themost of his opportunities andgave the Wildcat offense a sparkwhen they desperately needed itvs. the Crusaders.Martin would get five carries for23 yards; he also showed hisexplosive ability out of thebackfield as a receiving backwith a catch for 17 yards that setthe Cats up to tie the game in thethird quarter at 14.With Marty Lenehan and JoeyGeorges graduating after thisseason, the backfield will be ingood hands with Martin.DB JOE NORRIS ‘22Joe Norris has stepped in therole as free safety for theWildcats this season.The senior defensive back andthe Wildcats secondary had tostep up as Franklin Pike missedweek eight due to injury.Norris came away with a clutchinterception late in the fourthquarter to give the Cats the ballback for a chance to win. Norrisread Noah Geselbracht perfectlyand stole the ball away from theCrusader’s wideout in mid-air.Norris and the secondary willhave another challenge aheadagainst the St. Xavier Bombers.The senior back will lead thedefense to slow down ahigh-scoring Bombers offenseled by senior quarterback BroganMcCaughey who has 21touchdowns on the season withno interceptions. Norris will beroaming and ensuring he hascontain on Terrell McFarlin of St.Xavier’s receiving core.5
SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY 5152536NameSteven FavazzoMatthew RuddyJoey GeorgesZeb EldridgeJohn ManganEdward MusbachRyan PutkaBrandon WebsterGriffin TaliakEdwin AbiaklSteven BodamerPierce SpencerRyan KennedyAnthony MoissisScott BroskiCharlie DunstanJoey PfaffJoshua PapeshColin VollmerMichael NormanBrady HaddadMax HartleyMarty LenehanConnor GisztlFranklin PikeSean MartinAlexander ShuranJohn LeszczConnor BettersBrendan HuntJoe NorrisNathan PolinkoJohn ReganChristian CuppChristopher AerniMax PalinskiConstantinos PappasFinn McconvilleOwen MusbachGavin BergerWilliam CurtisCharlie BreenPatrick MartinShane MorrisonIan ZaletelBlase MastrianniBraeden LairKevin KrebsRyan O’DonnellCharles O’BrienJohn SchmittWilliam PersianiRyan ArdireMichael KrebsYr. Ht. Wt. 991959799NameYr. Ht. Wt. PositionJack SizemoreJoe RylandEdmund SoederDominic FerencePatrick LavelleTimothy LanzoMitchell HylandAngelo CamargoRyan BoomerNick HebanBrian KeaneWilliam WitalisAshton MontgomeryMichael ThompsonColin FarrellJames RaynorSean WardPatrick TompkinsMax MuresanCole FrabottaDamon FrabottaChristopher RealiHunter MoriarityWill RobinsonAJ SpellacyJonathan MerimeeJoseph KausePeter ChalhoubEugene GibbonsThomas �6’4”6’0”6’2”6’4”5’10”Jacob CookMatthew O’NeillJarell YoungDomenic RiniBlake HermanCharlie SizemoreAndy StampMatt ManagerManagerManagerManagerManagerCoaches:Chuck Kyle ’69Ryan Franzinger ’02Rodney GallawayLuke Baker ‘17Paul YappelTom NarducciDave CicettiMark SullivanKevin Johnson ‘10John Pieschalski ’89Anthony RubinoAJ Short ‘09Mo SizemoreEvan SchlanserTim Malik DLWR/DBWRDLDLDLDL/RBHead CoachDefensive Coordinator/LBWide Receivers CoachRunning Backs CoachOffensive Line CoachOffensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Backs CoachDefensive Backs CoachStrength and Conditioning CoachStrength and Conditioning CoachHead Athletic TrainerAssistant Athletic TrainerEquipement Manager2021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ST. XAVIER BOMBERS ROSTERLocation: CincinnatiEstablished: 1831Nickname: BombersColors: Blue and WhiteConference: Greater Catholic League – SouthEnrollment: 1407President: Mr. Timothy ReillyPrincipal: Mr. Dan LynchAthletic Director: Mr. Brian ReinhartAssistant Athletic Director: Mr. Joe PennoAssistant Athletic Director: Ms. Teri SmithDirector of Communications: Mrs. Becky ierMonzelZiskoLyonsIgnatiuswildcats.comSt. Xavier High SchoolHead Coach: Steve SpechtCollege: Earlham, 1991Career Record (2004 – 2020): 154 – 58Assistant Coaches: Tim Banker, Jake Brodbeck, Jeremy Carpenter,Steve Carpenter, Andrew Coverdale, Mitch Grant, Matt Greiwe,Greg Kendall, Doug Littelmann, Jeff Neal, Christian Neidhard,Mike Wiles, Terrell WilliamsDirector of Football Operations: Brian ReedStrength & Conditioning: Terrell Williams, Ben YaussManagers: Tristan Davis, Marc Gibson, Jared Littelmann,Chris Muskopf, Will Sicking, Will TaulTeam Physicians: Kevin Reilly, John Linz, Eugene ReillyAthletic Trainers: Mike Gordon, Ken Rushford2021 Cincinnati St. Xavier ahMatthewMathiasTedAntonyLaVeall2021 Schedule and Results8/20 Lakota West Firebirds W 31-148/27 @ Cincinnati Colerain W 43-189/3 @ Olentangy Liberty W 49-09/10 @ Mishawaka Penn (IN) W 41-109/17 @ Cincinnati Moeller Crusaders W 49-169/24 Cincinnati Elder Panthers W 52-1410/1 Louisville Trinity (KY) L 32-3310/8 Cincinnati LaSalle10/16 @ Cleveland St. Ignatius Wildcats10/22 Eagles Landing Christian 1702302302502621802502572407
SAINT IGNATIUS DEPTH CHART* Depth chart subject to change on gamedayDEFENSEOFFENSEQB1718Joey PfaffJoshua PapeshSr. 6’5” 190So. 6’2” 174DE9597Peter ChalhoubEugene GibbonsSr.Jr.6’2” 2506’4” 24022 Marty Lenehan4Joey Georges25 Sean MartinTE80 Sean Ward87 Will RobinsonSr. 5’11” 190Sr. 5’9” 171So. 6’1” 165NT9967Thomas WasinskiRyan BoomerSr.Sr.5’10” 2555’10” 240DE8791Will RobinsonJoseph KauseJr.Sr.6’5” 2406’0” 230WR11Steven Bodamer82 Max Muresan6Charlie DunstanWR 81 Patrick Tompkins7Edward MusbachSr. 6’1” 185Sr. 6’1” 160Jr. 5’9” 145OLB39 Gavin Berger46 Braeden LairSr.Sr.6’1”6’1”MLB3452Chris AerniRyan ArdireSr.So.5’11” 2106’1” 212OLBWRSr. 6’5” 195Sr. 6’2” 185Jr. 6’1” 1823545Max PalinskiBlase MastrianniJr.Sr.6’1” 2056’0” 210CB248Frankin PikeBrandon WebsterSr.Jr.6’1” 1756’0” 17576 Ashton Montgomery64 Mitchell HylandLG75 William Witalis51 William PersianiSr. 6’3” 285Jr. 6’3” 264SS46 Braeden Lair10 Edwin AbiaklSr.Sr.6’1” 2005’10” 168Sr. 6’3” 260Sr. 5’10” 250SS9Griffin Taliak30 Joe NorrisSr.Sr.6’0” 1756’1” 180C6174Jr. 6’0” 270Sr. 6’5” 300FS30 Joe Norris88 AJ SpellacySr.So.6’1”6’2”180180RG60 Dominic Ference51 William PersianiJr. 6’2” 275Sr. 5’10” 250CB6Jack Mangan30 Joe NorrisSr.Sr.6’1”6’1”170180RT7475Sr. 6’5” 300Sr. 6’3” 260RBSr. 6’5” 230Jr. 6’5” 24019 Colin Vollmer84 Damon Frabotta13 Ryan KennedyLTPatrick LavelleBrian KeaneBrian KeaneWilliam WitalisSr. 6’3” 190Sr. 6’2” 185PRONUNCIATION GUIDE#4 Joey GEORGES#5 Zeb ELLE-dridge#6 Jack Man-GAN#7 Edward MUS-BAHK#8 Brandon WEB-stir#9 Griffin TAHL-ee-ack#10 Edwin AH-bee-ah-kul#11 Steven Bod-ah-MER#16 Charlie DONE-stan#17 Joey FAFF#18 Joshua PAP-e-shh#19 Colin VOL-mer#22 Marty LEN-uh-han#26 Alexander Sure-Ran#34 Chris EARN-ee8#35 Max PAH-lin-skee#39 Gavin BURGER#45 BLAZE Mas-TREE-on-ee#46 BRAY-den LAIR#51 Will Per-sh-on-EE#52 Ryan Are-DEER#60 Dom-en-ic FAIR-ence#61 Patrick LA-V-el#74 Brian CANE#75 William Wi-TALL-is#81 Patrick TOMP-kinz#82 Max MUR-ah-sin#84 Dam-on Fra-BOT-ah#88 AJ SPELL-a-Ce#91 Joseph K-ouse205200SPECIAL TEAMSKO 5Zeb EldridgeSr.6’2”175FG5Zeb EldridgeSr.6’2”175PAT 5Zeb EldridgeSr.6’2”175PZeb EldridgeSr.6’2”175Joey PfaffAlexander ShuranGavin BergerCharlie DunstanGriffin TaliakCharlie DunstanEdwin 1451685HLS172639PR 169KR 16102021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
TOP 25 / HISTORY / PAT CATAN STADIUMCleveland.com Top 251. (1) St. Edward (8-0)2. (2) Medina (8-0)3. (4) Chardon (8-0)4. (6) Archbishop Hoban (6-2)5. (7) Kirtland (7-0)6. (8) Benedictine (6-0)7. (5) Saint Ignatius (4-4)8. (9) Avon (6-2)9. (10) Walsh Jesuit (6-2)10. (11) Stow (6-2)11. (12) Barberton (7-1)12. (3) Aurora (7-1)13. (16) Hudson (7-1)14. (13) Highland (7-1)15. (17) Brunswick (5-3)16. (20) Olmsted Falls (6-2)17. (14) North Royalton (5-3)18. (15) Nordonia (6-2)19. (18) Berea-Midpark (5-3)20. (21) Strongsville (5-3)21. (22) Cleveland Heights (6-2)22. (24) Avon Lake (6-2)23. (-) Solon (3-5)24. (19) Mentor (3-5)25. (25) Norton (8-0)This Day in HistoryOctober 16Games .16First Game .1919Most Recent Game.2020Saint Ignatius Wins.13Last Saint Ignatius Win.2020Saint Ignatius Losses.3Last Saint Ignatius Loss.1982Ties.0Last Tie.N/ALargest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.49, 1993 vs. VASJOpponents.19, 1982 vs. St. EdwardGames on Oct. 16 (13-3):1919 vs. Holy Name W 20-01920 vs. University of Detroit HS W 27-01926 vs. University of Detroit HS W 18-61936 vs. Tiffin Junior Home L 0-71948 vs. Holy Name L 7-121964 vs Cleveland John Marshall W 27-01970 vs. Cleveland South W 41-161976 vs. Cleveland West Tech W 31-01982 vs. St. Edward L 7-261992 vs. Villa Angela-St. Joseph W 34-01993 vs. Villa Angela-St. Joseph W 55-61998 vs. Canton McKinley W 31-211999 vs. St. Edward W 43-152004 vs. St. Edward W 26-102010 vs. Buffalo St. Francis W 47-72020 vs. Euclid W 30-20Ignatiuswildcats.comPAT CATAN STADIUMvs. St. Xavier20025 Lunn Rd. Strongsville, OhioBuilt: 2002Playing Surface: Artificial TurfSeating Capacity: 5,200Record @ Pat Catan Stadium: 3-0The Saint Ignatius Wildcats will be calling PatCatan Stadium home for one game this seasonwhen they take on the Bombers of St. Xavier onOctober 16 at 4 p.m.Pat Catan Stadium is owned by the StrongsvilleCity School District and plays host to theStrongsville Mustangs.Pat Catan Stadium, orginally named Taliak Field,was built in just 90 days as it opened in the fall of2002. The stadium was built through donors andcosted over two million dollars to build.The stadium offers an artificial turf and can hold5,200 people with stands on both the home andvisitor sideline. Pat Catan Stadium has a track aswell that circles the football field.The facility has an electronic scoreboard and anestimated 54-foot press box on the home teamsideline, with a smaller press box on the oppositeend for the visitors.The Wildcats have played in this facility threetimes and are a perfect 3-0.Normally the Wildcats call Byers Field in Parma,Ohio home, but on October 16, Strongsville willbecome a temporary home for Saint Ignatius tohost their Jesuit brothers, the St. Xavier Bombers.Photo from Ohio Stadiums9
GAME PREVIEWWILDCATS LOOK TO GET OFF THE SCHNEID IN JESUIT BOWLSaint Ignatius fell in a heartbreaker last Saturday on theroad against Archbishop Moeller. After a missed potentialgame-winning field goal by the Crusaders, the Cats went intoovertime. The Wildcats struck first with a touchdown andPAT, but on the ensuing drive by Moeller, they would score atouchdown and run their version of the “Philly Special” for atwo-point conversion to seal a 29-28 victory. The Cats comeinto week nine with a 4-4 record. There is no pause for SaintIgnatius as they will take on the fourth-ranked team in thestate, St. Xavier Bombers.“We came out sluggish against Moeller, but the positivetakeaway is we regrouped at halftime and turned thingsaround in the second half,” says Head Football Coach ChuckKyle ‘69. “The schedule we’re playing, we have to play all fourquarters, then some with last week going to overtime.”This was the first overtime that Saint Ignatius went intosince the 2016 Division I State Championship, where the Catsfell in double overtime to St. Xavier.SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE VS. ST. XAVIER DEFENSESaint Ignatius sophomore quarterback Joshua Papeshwould play in two different games on Saturday. Papesh wouldplay in two quarters in the JV’s 21-10 win over Moeller and getthe starting nod in the second half. Papesh was commendable, going 7-of-14 for 89 yards as he and Sean Martin gave aspark to a dormant first-half offense.Of course, the highlight of the offense a week ago was theground attack from senior Marty Lenehan. Lenehan rushedfor a career-high four touchdowns, giving the Cats chancesto pull out a victory. The senior now has 15 total touchdowns,with 14 of those coming on the ground. Lenehan is a bruiserwith the pigskin and anchors the Wildcat offense.Coming into week eight, it appears that Joey Pfaff willbe back under center after an injury he suffered in week sixagainst River Rouge (MI). Pfaff was dressed last week, holdingthe kicks for Zeb Eldridge and it looks like he is ready to goagainst the Bombers.St. Xavier comes in with a ferocious defense and coach Kyleis all too familiar with Bombers Head Football Coach SteveSpecht, who is in his 18th season.“Steve has always had an outstanding defense, we haveknown each other for a long time and there is no secret tohow he is going to prepare,” explains Kyle. “They are verystingy when it comes to giving up points, so we have to playconsistently better. Last season when we played them, wescored the most they’ve given up all year and we had the leadat the half, but after a couple of big plays, that went on a roll.”Stingy indeed is the St. Xavier defense as they allow just13.5 points per game. The most they have given up was 33against Louisville Trinity (KY), where the Bombers fell 33-32.Marque Cummings leads the way for the Bombers in sackswith 7.5 this season. On the defensive line is Grant Lyons, whowill be playing at Miami of Ohio next season. Lyons leads theBombers in interceptions has a defensive lineman with three.The offensive line for the Cats will have their work cut out forthem in week nine against an admirable defense in St. Xavier.10SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE VS. ST. XAVIER OFFENSEThe defense for the Wildcats did all they could last week vs.Moeller. The Cats defense kept Saint Ignatius in the ball gameafter a slow first-half start from the offense. After back-toback possessions went for a touchdown for Moeller, the Catswould make adjustments, not allowing a score until midwaythrough the fourth quarter.The defense is dealing with a few injuries. They werewithout cornerback Franklin Pike who also may be sidelinedagainst St. Xavier. Linebacker Blase Mastrianni has missedthe previous two games but appears to be nearing a return.The Wildcats got a good performance from Brandon Webster, who missed the first half of the season due to injury.Webster took the place of Pike, as the secondary forced threeinterceptions on the Crusaders. The defense will be testedonce again, this time by the Bombers of St. Xavier.“They are the defending State Champions and they havemost of the offense back; their offensive line is very experienced,” says Kyle. “Their quarterback, Brogan McCaughey,was first-team all-state last year and he is having a good year,so this will be an excellent test for our defense,” explains Kyle.McCaughey is having a tremendous senior season with 21touchdowns thrown and has not thrown an interception. McCaughey has thrown for 1,737 yards completing nearly 70% ofhis passes.With returning most of the St. Xavier offense from lastseason, coach Kyle and the Wildcats have an idea what theywill see from the Bombers in week nine. “There is a little advantage playing them last season, understanding where theirstrengths and weaknesses are on the field,” Kyle says. “Wehave been playing these guys for quite some time, they knowour philosophy and we know their philosophy, but 90% ofwhat you are seeing is unexpected; that is where adjustmentscome into play.”SPECIAL TEAMSSpecial teams played a significant role in last week’s gamevs. Archbishop Moeller. Eldridge was forced to punt tentimes; however, Eldridge put the defense in a better situation,pinning the Crusaders in their territory with each punt. Threeof Eldridge’s punts were placed inside the 20, which significantly slowed the Crusaders’ offense. More notably was themuffed punt inside the five by Moeller that Joey Georgesrecovered to give momentum to the Cats heading into halftime.Doing the kicking duties for the Bombers is senior MasonRohmiller. Rohmiller has not had that many opportunities tokick field goals because of how great the St. Xavier offensehas been, but he’s connected on all three kicks with thelongest from 33. Rohmiller has missed just one PAT kickcoming into week nine.In the OHSAA Football Playoff Rankings in Division I RegionI, the Wildcats are ranked number 10 with a 4-4 record. Ifthe playoffs were to begin this week, the Cats would travelto Cleveland Heights. Week nine features the Jesuit Bowl;kick-off is at 4 p.m. from Pat Catan Stadium in Strongsville.2021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ARCHBISHOP MOELLER GAMEWeek Eight:Sa
Saint Ignatius High School: 4-4 OHSAA Division I, Region 1 Head Coach: Chuck Kyle '69 Record at School: 365-103-1 Overall Record: 365-103-1 St. Xavier Bombers: 7-1 OHSAA Division I, Region 4 Head Coach: Steve Specht Record at School: 161-59 Overall Record: 161-59 at Saint Ignatius WILDCATS Broadcast Information Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network
