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@SIHSSports sihsathleticsIgnatiuswildcats.com2019 GAME NOTESWEEK TEN:WEST TORONTO PREPsihssports1
THE MATCHUPTeam InformationSaint Ignatius High School: 4-5OHSAA Division I, Region 1Head Coach: Chuck Kyle ’69Record at School: 357-95-1Overall Record: 357-95-1atWest Toronto PrepGOLDENWARRIORSSaint IgnatiusWILDCATSMedia InformationNovember 2, 2019Byers FieldKickoff: 7 pmSaint Ignatius ScheduleDate OpponentTime/Score8/31 @ Loyola Academy (IL)W, 27-109/6 @ MentorL, 31-389/13 @ Archbishop HobanW, 42-419/21 @ DeMatha Catholic (MD)L, 0-429/28 vs. Clarkson Football North (ONT)L, 40-4110/5 vs. Rockledge (FL)W, 42-710/12 @ St. EdwardL, 3-710/19@ Archbishop MoellerW, 38-710/26 vs. St. XavierL, 10-1311/2 vs. West Toronto Prep (ONT)7:00 pmFollow the Wildcats on social media for fullcoverage of every Saint Ignatius team.@SIHSSportssihsathleticssihssportsAnd also visit . ignatiuswildcats.com2West Toronto PrepGolden Warriors: 0-8OHSAA Division III equivalentHead Coach: O’Neil WilsonRecord at School: 0-18Overall Record: 0-18For information and credentialrequests, contact:Joe Ginley ‘12Communications Coordinatorfor Athletics(P): 216-651-0222 x242email: jginley@ignatius.eduFor full coverage of the Wildcats,visit ignatiuswildcats.com.Broadcast InformationSaint Ignatius BroadcastingNetworkPlay-by-Play: Jack O’Rourke ’20Color Analyst: Nick Fletcher ’20Analyst/Show Host: Max Marazzi ’20Moderator: Joe Ginley ’12 /Jeff McCormick ’83(P): 216-651-0222email: jginley@ignatius.edujmccormick@ignatius.eduS BN2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ABOUT THE WILDCATS .A Look Back .Nov. 2, 1984Under Chuck Kyle ’69, theplayoffs have become an annualtradition. Since 1988, the Wildcatshave made the playoffs in all butthree seasons. But what many forget is that Kyle’s men missed theplayoffs in his first five seasonsfrom 1983-1987, despite havingvery good teams.In each of his first five seasons, Kyle finished with a winningrecord. But with a small playoffformat, teams had little room forerror. Even in 1984, with an 8-2squad, Kyle’s Wildcats missed outon the playoffs.That didn’t stop his 1984 teamfrom finishing strong.In the season finale on November 2, 1984, the Wildcats faceda strong Walsh Jesuit team afterlosing a heartbreaker to Benedictine in Week 9, 16-14. The Warriorshad never lost on their home turfto the Wildcats.On a rainy evening, the Catsset about to change that. ScottSpicer started things off right witha 10-yard strike to Hall of FamerKevin Ginley ’85. But the Warriorsstruck back, turning in 10 straightpoints to take a 10-7 lead.Just before halftime, Spicerstole the lead back for the Wildcats. The savvy signalcaller foundTodd Fisher for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Senior kicker MikeMcLaughlin converted his secondPAT of the day for the 14-10 lead.Stout defense preserved thewin for the Wildcats. In the finalminute, the men of Ohio Citythwarted the Warriors on 4th andgoal to hang on for the win.The Wildcats’ 8-2 recordmarked the team’s best finishsince 1973 and first 8-win seasonsince 1977. After the game, Kylesaid, “St. Ignatius football is finallyback on the scene.”Ignatiuswildcats.comWildcats Storylines .FINISH STRONG: The Wildcats are in an unfamiliar position of being eliminated from postseason contention. Under Chuck Kyle ’69, making the playoffs has become standard. The Wildcats have made the postseason in 29 of37 seasons under Kyle, including 29 trips in the last 32 seasons.ONCE LAST TIME: For the 36 seniors in the Saint Ignatius roster, this is thelast time they will don the Saint Ignatius football uniform and the last timeplaying at Byers Field. Expect plenty of senior non-starters to find the fieldlater in the game.GRIFFIN’S ARMY: Quarterback Griffin Hanna has enjoyed a solid season.The senior became the 16th quarterback under Offensive Coordinator NickRestifo Hon. 19 to surpass 2,000 passing yards in a season. Hanna now has2,023 passing yards, 15 passing TD’s, and 6 rushing TD’s on the season.Hanna is 158 yards from cracking Top 10 all-time for passing yards in a season. Joe Pickens (2,180, 1988) is at No. 10.MILESTONE WATCH: After serving as the second option in 2018, JackWelcsh has been the bellcow this year. Welcsh has surpassed 1,000 careerrushing yards (214 in 2017, 350 in 2018, 587 in 2019; total: 1,151). Welcshtabbed his 14th career rushing TD on Saturday. Connor Cmiel is 115 yardsfrom 1,500 career receiving yards (830 in 2018, 555 in 2019). Cmiel surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards on Saturday vs. St. Xavier. Connor Franczhit 50 career tackles last week (2.0 in 2017, 18.5 in 2018, 31.5 in 2019).BALANCED ATTACK: The Wildcats will look to employ a balanced approach on Saturday vs. West Toronto Prep. On the year, the Wildcats havebeen almost perfectly balanced, with 273 rushes and 247 passes.CROSBY TIME: The Wildcats will utilize James Crosby heavily in the rungame this week. The senior has been the speed back this year, showing offhis blazing speed when necessary. Crosby will likely run in the 4x100 relayfor the Wildcats during track season. On the year, Crosby has 168 rushingyards and 49 receiving yards.THE BIG UGLIES: The Wildcats’ linemen have been solid all season long.Nick Schwitzgebel and Tony Georges have anchored the line as veterantackles on offense. Ashton Montgomery and Gus Salopek are starters whowill be back next season. On defense, Bennett Adler continues to excel,with 19.5 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss (1st), and 5.5 sacks (1st).THE LEGION: The strength of the defense has been the linebacker legionthis season. Aidan Hubbard is second on the team with tackles (34.5).Michael McNamara has been a key playmaker all year. Young names towatch include Nick Velotta and Aidan Conway.DAUG CHECK: The Wildcats’ secondary has played quite well, with perhapsErik Daugenti shining brightest. Daugenti is often responsible for singlecoverage on the outside, a role he relishes. Daugenti has 35 tackles (1st),3.5 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups (1st), and an interception.CAPTAINS: The four captains for the 2019 season are #10 Griffin Hanna,#34 Jack Welcsh, #44 Michael McNamara, and #71 Nick Schwitzgebel.3
ABOUT WEST TORONTO PREP .Learning about the West TorontoPrep Golden Warriors .ABOUT WEST TORONTO PREP: Located in the Greater TorontoArea, West Toronto Prep is a program that looks to develop topAmerican rules football players in Canada. Not unlike FootballNorth, West Toronto Prep hopes to send players to colleges inCanada and the United States. West Toronto Prep looks to givestudents a good education while preparing them for athleticsuccess in college.OFFENSIVE SCHEMING: West Toronto Prep’s offense is notunlike others the Wildcats have encountered this season. TheGolden Warriors typically run a 2-back spread offense. WestToronto Prep’s goal is to establish some run while spreading youout with fast wideouts.OPTION ATTACK: A wrinkle that the Wildcats have not seenthis year is the option. Mentor runs the option a tad in the redzone, but West Toronto Prep breaks it out often. The Wildcatsprepared for it in practice this week, working on protecting theboundary to hem in the option. The Wildcats’ cornerbacks willbe important in containing the outside, while the defensive endsand linebackers will look to make the right call in who to attack,the running back or quarterback.BOWMAN’S BOYS: The West Toronto Prep offense runs throughits quarterback, Josiah Bowman. The 6’4, 185-pound junior hasbeen responsible for much of the team’s offense this season.Bowman did well against Erie McDowell, completing 13-of-24passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Bowman will also run theball, too.2019 West TorontoPrep Schedule8/23 vs. St. VincentPallotti (MD)L, 0-208/30 @ Erie CathedralPrep (PA)L, 12-479/13L, 0-22@ Erie (PA)9/20 @ ArchbishopHobanL, 13-499/27@ BrentwoodAcademy (TN)L, 0-4010/4@ New Philadelphia L, 0-3110/11@ Erie McDowell(PA)10/25 @ Warren G.Harding11/2@ Saint IgnatiusByers FieldL, 6-42L, 14-227 pmYvenson Saintus: Yvenson Saintus has seen plenty of playing time this season. Saintus can play several positions, fromrunning back to quarterback. The junior athlete played a lotagainst Erie, throwing 9 passes and running 11 times for a totalof 62 yards. Last week vs. Warren Harding, Saintus had a rushing touchdown on a broken play he turned into six points. Lookout for Saintus on Saturday.OFFENSIVE WEAPONS TO WATCH: Besides Saintus, otherweapons to watch include Jason Briones, Gabriel Williams, andJustin Fawcett. All three Golden Warriors have earned carriesand receptions this year, as all three are solid options forBowman.DEFENSIVE SCHEMING: West Toronto Prep runs a 4-2-5defense. On most plays, the Golden Warriors will set up fourdefensive linemen on the line of scrimmage, two linebackers,and five defensive backs. The Wildcats have seen this brand ofdefense before this season.COVERAGES: West Toronto Prep will mix in zone and mancoverages on Saturday.42019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
BY THE NUMBERS/ WILDCATS TO WATCH2,023Passing yards for QBGriffin Hanna1,045All-purpose yards byConnor Cmiel25-7Coach Chuck Kyle’srecord in Week 1027Pass breakups by theWildcats’ defense18Sacks by the Wildcats’defense6Blocked kicks by theWildcats this seasonIgnatiuswildcats.comRB JAMES CROSBY ’20All season, James Crosbyhas been a hard-workingrunning back for theWildcats. On Saturday,Crosby will have his timein the sun, as he’ll receivemost of the carries earlyon. Crosby is a speedster,a member of the 4x100relay team on the tracksquad. Look for him tofight hard for extra yardage and burst throughrunning lanes with quickness and athleticism.CB CHARLIE KINZEL ’20All season long, CharlieKinzel has been dynamite at cornerback. Thesenior tops the teamwith 2 interceptions,both clutch turnovers forthe Wildcats. Kinzel isequally adept in man andzone coverages, able todeflect passes and turnaway wideouts. With 6pass breakups on theyear, Kinzel has been akey playmaker. Look forKinzel to be effective onthe outside again onSaturday.5
SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY 15253545556Mike SimcakErik DaugentiRory McConvilleHenry CookDeclan ManganJaxon FrenchConnor CmielMichael MorganGriffin HannaSteven BodamerAlec LaSpinaBilly SpearAndrew ChimeSean CookJack DunstanColin WiehnPat KeaneEmmett HannaAnthony SantagataChris SnyderMerick HartleyDaniel FinnanDomenic FabeJames CrosbyAdam OrmsteadRyan WaldronCharlie KinzelDominic DeVengencieCalum CampolietiJohn FolianoVincent FagnilliMichael CorteJack WelcshChristopher MathewsColin MacMillanNick VelottaJacob DavisSam KemptonPatrick KotekJake LangMatthew OleksikMichael McNamaraAidan HubbardBraeden LairJack NorrisAidan ConwayCole SmithMatthew KallConnor FranczAshton MontgomeryMax WattersAidan CrummieChristopher SpeelmanCarter Zimmerman6Yr. Ht. Wt. Position NameYr. Ht. Wt. PositionKevin KempfferJohn LenhardRico LevertBennett AdlerTony GeorgesGus SalopekOwen KeaneNick SchwitzgebelConnor KinneyBrian KeaneJake ReedAlec GottschalkBen KormosSam DaugstrupCharlie SpurrierJohn BeckerJimmy SpearSebestyen BalassyTimothy LewisNick LamirandJonathan McNeilLuca LaSpinaJaylyn NorrisGavin MoorePeter ChalhoubAnthony min RossiAlex TuasonNathan SommerfeldDanny SalemWilliam MooreFinn CooneyJake BondMatthew O’NeillSr.Sr.Sr.Jr.Jr.So.Sr.Fr.Intern / Assistant CoachIntern / Assistant CoachStudent Training AidStudent Training AidStudent Training AidStudent Training AidManagerManagerCoaches:Chuck Kyle ’69Nick Restifo Hon. ’19Ryan Franzinger ’02Jim Cahill ’89Terry Fergus ’72Jack Hyland ’14Adam Rini ’99Paul YappelDave CicettiMark SullivanKevin Johnson ’10John Pieschalski ’89Mo SizemoreTony ConnacherRev. Dan Reim, S.J.Anthony OLOLOLOLOLTEWRWRWRWRWRTEWRDLDLDLDLDLHead CoachOffensive Coordinator/QBDefensive Coordinator/LBQuarterbacks CoachRunning Backs CoachWide Receivers CoachOffensive Line CoachOffensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Line CoachDefensive Backs CoachDefensive Backs CoachHead Athletic TrainerAssistant Athletic TrainerTeam ChaplainDirector of Strength andConditioning2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
WEST TORONTO PREP 652535563687273757778PositionHeight Weight Grad YrJason BrionesYvenson SaintusJonathan MenaryKohbe ClarkeRyan ButlerNuer GatkuothJosiah BowmanSadeek AshleyJalen Elibert-FolkesMunzir MohamedTyleke PhillipHassaan BasitDwayne ClarkeCaiz Shelly-WatsonMaka BanguraMikhail NembhardGabriel WilliamsMelchis IlungaJustin FawcettEmmanuel TraoreJean Raphael MorenaRashad Lee-BrownT’Andre LynchShamal SterlingTyrese DyerAntuane GeddesMichael RochonIsaiah KialaJoshua TelemaqueMaximilian HarrisTyler HorswellTarick PoliusEvan GoudogiannisNiko GOL/DLOT/COG/C/DTDT/OTOT/DEC/OG/DTO’Neil WilsonDwayne MundlePaul BowmanElijah BowmanJay WilsonKarim GrantClinton WayneHead CoachAssistant Coach / Athletic DirectorAssistant CoachAssistant CoachAssistant CoachAssistant CoachAssistant �6’ 36’4 1/26’25’1065’ 95’6 1/25’106’2 1/26’6’5’95’ 105”10 1/25’115’76’15’ 75’116’06’16’ 16’56’46’4 20202120217
SAINT IGNATIUS DEPTH CHART* Depth chart subject to change on gamedayDEFENSEOFFENSEQB1018Griffin HannaPat KeaneRB25 James Crosby34 Jack WelcshTE42 Jake Lang86 Nick LamirandWR8Connor Cmiel12 Alec LaSpinaWR 5Henry Cook24 Domenic FabeSr. 6’2” 180Sr. 6’1 180DE5391Max WattersLuca LaSpinaSr.Jr.6’2”6’5”250205Sr. 5’8” 171Sr. 6’0” 201NT9762Anthony GeraceRico LevertSr.Sr.6’2” 2456’0” 248Sr. 6’3” 195Jr. 6’5” 195DE6392Bennett AdlerJaylyn NorrisJr.Jr.6’3” 2105’10” 223Sr. 6’2” 190 ORJr. 6’0” 167OLB44 Michael McNamara Sr.45 Aidan HubbardJr.6’2” 2206’4” 218Sr. 5’10” 170Sr. 6’0” 165MLB54 Aidan Crummie48 Aidan ConwaySr.Jr.6’1”6’2”Sr.Jr.6’3” 2206’0” 210210215WR1611Jack DunstanSteven BodamerJr. 5’11” 150So. 6’0” 170OLB5137Connor FranczNick VelottaLT7179Nick SchwitzgebelBen KormosSr. 6’3” 293Sr. 6’6” 270CB2829Charlie KinzelSr.5’10” 152Dominic DeVengencie Sr. 5’10” 165LG66 Gus Salopek50 Matthew KallJr. 6’5” 240Sr. 6’1” 271SS34 Jack Welcsh46 Braeden LairSr.So.6’0” 2015’11” 180C52 Ashton Montgomery So. 6’2” 29564 Tony GeorgesSr. 6’2” 290SS19 Emmett Hanna46 Braeden LairJr.So.6’2” 2005’11” 180RG70 Owen Keane50 Matthew KallSr. 6’3” 290Sr. 6’1” 271FS2214Merick HartleyAndrew ChimeSr.Jr.5’10” 1806’0” 181RT64 Tony Georges79 Ben KormosSr. 6’2” 290Sr. 6’6” 270CB321Erik DaugentiChris SnyderSr.Jr.6’1”6’1”PRONUNCIATION GUIDE#3 Erik Daw-JEN-tee#8 Connor Kah-MEEL#10 Pat CANE#11 Steven Bod-ah-MER#12 Alec Lah-SPEENA#16 Jack DONE-stan#22 MARE-ick HEART-lee#24 Domenic FAYB#29 DominicDee-ven-JENN-see#33 Michael COURT8#34 Jack WELSH#37 Nick VA-lott-tah#51 Connor FRANZ#54 Aidan CRUMMY#62 Rico Le-VERT#66 Gus SALL-oh-peck#70 Owen CANE#71 Nick SCH-witz-ga-bel#79 Ben CORE-mos#86 Nick LAMB-err-and#97 Anthony Ger-RACE-ee170168SPECIAL TEAMSKO 6Declan ManganJr.5’11”FG46Rory McConvilleDeclan ManganSr.Jr.5’10” 165 OR5’11” 165PAT 4Rory McConvilleSr.5’10” 165PDeclan ManganJr.5’11”165Henry CookBennett AdlerHenry CookMichael MorganConnor CmielDominic H5LS 63PR 59KR 8291652019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
RANKINGS/ HISTORYJoe Eitel, Division I, Region 1Cleveland.com Top 251. (1) Mentor (9-0)2. (2) St. Edward (8-1)3. (3) Archbishop Hoban (8-1)4. (4) Avon (9-0)5. (5) Avon Lake (8-1)6. (6) Aurora (9-0)7. (7) Perry (9-0)8. (8) Kirtland (9-0)9. (9) Mayfield (9-0)10. (11) Kenston (8-1)11. (12) Solon (7-2)12. (13) Euclid (7-2)13. (14) Benedictine (8-1)14. (16) Cleveland Heights (8-1)15. (10) Saint Ignatius (4-5)16. (15) Chardon (7-2)17. (17) Medina (6-3)18. (18) Wadsworth (7-2)19. (19) Brecksville (7-2)20. (20) Streetsboro (9-0)21. (21) St. Vincent-St. Mary (7-2)22. (24) Hudson (6-3)23. (23) Barberton (6-3)24. (25) Brunswick (6-3)25. (–) Olmsted Falls (7-2)Rank W-L Mailing CitySchoolAvg Level 119-0 MentorMentor 33.7389 57.528-1 LakewoodSt Edward 29.5944 49.038-1 CantonCanton McKinley 27.4889 48.547-2 EuclidEuclid 26.4040 44.057-2 SolonSolon 26.144444.567-2 MassillonJackson #20.7500 40.576-3 MedinaMedina19.722238.088-1 Cleveland Heights Cleveland Heights19.011146.095-4 StowStow-Munroe Falls16.827829.510 6-3 BrunswickBrunswick16.572238.0114-5 ClevelandSt Ignatius 16.349225.0125-4 StrongsvilleStrongsville15.0500 31.5135-4 LorainLorain 10.566728.514 3-6 BereaBerea-Midpark 5.050018.0152-7 Shaker HeightsShaker Heights 4.988912.516 1-8 ElyriaElyria 2.91676.0171-8 CantonGlenOak 0.72226.5180-9 NewarkNewark 0.00000.0 Clinched playoff spot # Control own destiny EliminatedStatewide Division I AP PollWeek 8 Poll: Released October 21SchoolThis Day in HistoryGames .13First Game .1928Most Recent Game.2018Saint Ignatius Wins.7Last Saint Ignatius Win.2013Saint Ignatius Losses.6Last Saint Ignatius Loss.2018Largest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.32, 1928 vs. Cle. CentralOpponents.19, 1985 vs. Holy NameGames on Nov. 2 veland Central HSBenedictine HSRhodes HSJohn Marshall HSSouth HSJohn Marshall HSWalsh Jesuit HSWalsh Jesuit HSHoly Name HSToledo St. FrancisWarren Harding HSPinehurst Canada PrepSt. EdwardIgnatiuswildcats.comWLLWWWLWLWLWLL2 L2 divisor Last playoff273.5 100 2018241.5 100 2018221.0 100 2018213.0 992018212.0 100 2018162.5 100 2017155.0 100 2016139.0 100 2015135.5 100 2017123.5 100 2014133.0 982018115.5 100 201874.0 100 201730.5 100 201536.0 100 201322.5 100 20150.0 100 20160.0 -2435-1419-21Last Wk 1st votes Record Points1. Mentor2. St. Edward3. Fairfield4. Elder5. Pickerington Central6. Springfield7. Cincinnati Colerain8. St. Xavier9. Olentangy Liberty10. Canton 52146128949370595336Others receiving 12 or more points: 11. Toledo Whitmer (23);12. Groveport-Madison (19); 13. Springboro (15); 14. Lewis CenterOlentangy Orange (12)USA TODAY Super 25Regional Football RankingsMIDWESTIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan,Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin1. (1) Male (Louisville, KY) (9-0)2. (2) Mentor (OH) (9-0)3. (3) Muskegon (MI) (9-0)4. (4) East St. Louis (IL) (9-0)5. (5) Muskego (WI) (10-0)6. (6) De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis, MO) (9-0)7. (7) Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort, IL) (9-0)8. (8) St. Edward (8-1)9. (9) Wayzata (Plymouth, MN) (9-0)10. (10) Avon (IN) (9-0)9
GAME PREVIEWWILDCATS WRAP UP SEASON VS. WEST TORONTO PREPThe Wildcats are in an unfamiliar position.Under Chuck Kyle ’69, the Wildcats have missed theplayoffs just three times since 1988. Even more rareis a Week 10 game with no playoff or rivalry implications. The last two playoff misses – in 2010 and 2015– ended with games vs. St. Edward. The Wildcatshave not played such a Week 10 game since November 7, 1987, a regular season finale vs. Holy Name in a6-4 campaign.But the Wildcats will be no less motivated against0-8 West Toronto Prep. Kyle’s message to his menthis week is “Let’s do this right.” This game presentsa good life lesson. It doesn’t matter whether you’replaying in front of 100 people or 10,000. Either way,you need to hold yourself to a high standard andgive it your full effort.Saturday will present another opportunity for theWildcats – every senior should have the chance toplay. The team will look to end the season on a highnote, as best they can.SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE VS. WEST TORONTOPREP DEFENSEOne glimmer shining through the dark clouds lastweek was Griffin Hanna joining the 2,000 yard passing club. Hanna becomes the 16th quarterback underOffensive Coordinator Nick Restifo Hon. 19 to surpass 2,000 passing yards in a season. On the season,Hanna has 2,023 passing yards, 15 passing TD’s, and6 rushing TD’s. The senior is 158 yards from cracking Top 10 all-time for passing yards in a season. JoePickens (2,180, 1988) stands at No. 10.Look for James Crosby to have a big day in theground game. The senior will likely see the majorityof the early carries on Saturday. The speedster willhave a chance to showcase his athleticism and quickness. Jack Welcsh will also get some touches.Connor Cmiel will complete his illustrious footballcareer on Saturday after exceeding 1,000 all-purposeyards for the season. Henry Cook and Jake Lang willalso complete their careers after outstanding years.Three offensive linemen will play their last game inthe blue and gold – Nick Schwitzgebel, Tony Georges, and Owen Keane. Schwitzgebel, the startingleft tackle, will likely be headed to the Ivy League.Georges has committed to Akron. Next season,Ashton Montgomery and Gus Salopek will anchor theoffensive line.On defense, West Toronto Prep plays a 4-2-5, with4 linemen, 2 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs.They’ll play a mix of man and zone coverages, blitzing when need be.10SAINT IGNATIUS DEFENSE VS. WEST TORONTOPREP OFFENSEThe Wildcats defense has excelled in recentweeks, allowing just 34 points in the last 4 games.The credit for the success needs to be spreadaround among all three levels.Starting with the defensive line, Anthony Gerace,Max Watters, and Bennett Adler have all beenoutstanding in creating pressure and stopping therun. Adler will be back next year, but Watters andGerace will end their Wildcat careers on Saturday.At linebacker, Michael McNamara has been thelead dog. The senior captain has been great whenhealthy, making plays all over the field. Fellowseniors Connor Francz and Aidan Crummie havebeen similarly ferocious for the blue and gold. Aidan Hubbard, Aidan Conway, and Nick Velotta allcontributed heavily this season, giving a glimpseinto the future.In the secondary, Welcsh has been a great playerat safety. Senior Merick Hartley has been similarly proficient at free safety. At cornerback, ErikDaugenti and Charlie Kinzel have stood out withtheir ability to knock down passes and stand alonein single coverage. Each deserves plenty of kudosfor quietly having nice seasons. Dominic DeVengencie has mixed in, too, playing very well sincecoming back from an injury. Look for him to dowell on Saturday. Juniors Emmett Hanna and ChrisSnyder, along with sophomore Braeden Lair, willbe men to watch entering 2020.On offense, West Toronto plays a 2-back, spreadoffense. The Golden Warriors will look to spreadyou out with the passing game, and then get someyards on the ground after passing some.One look the Wildcats have prepped for is theoption. The Cats have not seen it much this season, and West Toronto Prep has it in the playbook.Josiah Bowman is the main man at quarterback.Others to watch include Yvenson Saintus andGabriel Williams.SPECIAL TEAMSAll season, the Wildcats have enjoyed strongspecial teams. Rory McConville will kick in his finalgame for the Wildcats after a great senior campaign. Declan Mangan will be back next season,which should excite Saint Ignatius fans. He’s gotquite a boot, and has hit from 50 yards this season. He’ll also punt and handle the kickoff dutiesfor much of Saturday.2019 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ST. XAVIER RECAPPLAYOFF HOPES DEFLATED BY A GUST OF WINDFootball is a game of inches, as they say. Well, theinches have not been in the Wildcats’ favor all season.The bad fortune continued on Saturday. A gust ofwind puffed to stop a 48-yard Declan Mangan fieldgoal mere inches away from tying Saturday’s game vs.St. Xavier at 13 with 16 seconds remaining.The oh-so-close miss sealed a Bombers victory, 13-10.The defeat likely ends the 4-5 Wildcats’ playoff hopes.The Wildcats will miss the playoffs for just the thirdtime since 1988. That’s not to say this team is nottalented. The opposite is true – the Wildcats showedsigns of greatness all season. The bounces just didn’tgo their way.Things didn’t start out in favor of the Wildcats in thefirst quarter. St. Xavier drove down the field on animpressive drive to start the game, showing no signs offatigue after a 4-hour drive up from Cincinnati. KellenNewman finished off a 9-play, 78-yard drive on a 1-yardrushing score. Dominic DeVengencie blocked the extrapoint, though, keeping the score 6-0 Bombers.After a three-and-out by the Wildcats, the Saint Ignatius defense flexed its muscle by forcing a quick punt.The Wildcats’ offense started to get rolling on its nextdrive. Griffin Hanna marched the Wildcats down thefield, aided by runs from Jack Welcsh. Then the Bombers’ defense made a big play, intercepting a pass.St. Xavier could not capitalize on the pick, as severalpenalties pushed back the Bombers. The visitors wereforced to punt on 4th and 28 from their own 34-yardline. A deflection on the punt gave the Wildcats theball on the 34. Unfortunately, the Wildcats could notget any points out of it, as the men of Ohio City misseda 46-yard field goal wide left.The Bombers again struggled on offense, with a quickthree-and-out. With the rain coming down, the Wildcats decided to take a run-first approach with the ballnear midfield.Welcsh pounded the ball again and again, moving theWildcats down the field. Griffin Hanna completed the11-play, 52-yard grind-it-out drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak. A Rory McConville extra point gave theWildcats the 7-6 lead.With 4:36 left in the half, the Bombers set about aquest to retake the lead. St. Xavier looked to be ingreat position to do so, moving down the field purposefully. But on the eighth play of the drive, EmmettHanna picked off a Bombers pass. The junior defensiveback charged 32 yards down the field, giving the Catsthe ball at the Saint Ignatius 46-yard line with 2:36 leftin the half.Hanna and Welcsh moved the Wildcats down thefield into the red zone. The Wildcats looked to be inIgnatiuswildcats.comgood position to at least extend the lead by 3, if not 7points. But an interception on a pass into the end zone,a throw into 1-on-1 coverage, ended the chance. TheBombers made the play on a jump ball, ending the halfat 7-6 Cats.Connor Cmiel came out of the half with his hair onfire. The senior caught two exceptional passes fromHanna for gains of 21 and 30 yards. His crazy catchesset up the Wildcats with 1st and goal from the 4-yardline. But the Bombers held firm, and the Football Catscould not punch it in. Instead, the Wildcats settled fora 20-yard McConville field goal, extending the lead to10-6.A drive by the Bombers changed the game. A fewsmart strikes downfield led to a short touchdown throwfor St. Xavier. The drive was stunning, as the Wildcatshad dominated on defense since allowing the openingscore. With the rain pounding down, the Bombers suddenly held a 13-10 lead with 1:28 left in the third quarter.The score stayed at 13-10, and would remain thatway for the rest of the game. The Wildcats’ next driveended in a punt, and St. Xavier slowly ate yards andclock time. A controversial running into the punter callextended the drive, but the Wildcats managed to endthe march on fourth down at the Saint Ignatius 28-yardline. But not before the Bombers wiped 3:23 off theclock.Then, the Wildcats made a big mistake. A fumbled exchange gave the Bombers the ball back just three playslater. St. Xavier took over at its own 41-yard line.Relying on a stout rushing attack with the rain continuing to come down, the Bombers used 12 plays and2:51 of clock time before the Wildcats again stood tallon fourth down. With 5:08 remaining, the Wildcatstook over at their own 25-yard line.The Wildcats looked brilliant in methodically moving the ball downfield with the season on the line. TheWildcats played composed, showing no signs of pressure. Hanna completed several passes downfield to hisfavorite target in Connor Cmiel. Welcsh also pushedthe team forward with a great run. The Wildcats gotto the St. Xavier 23-yard line before stalling. A gain ofzero yards on first down, a near-miss incomplete passon second down, and a third-down sack doomed thedrive.On 4th and 18 from the St. Xavier 31-yard, the Wildcats had no choice but to try the field goal to tie it with16 seconds left. With the wind blowing, the Bomberscalled two timeouts in an attempt to ice Mangan.In the end, Mother Nature did the trick, not the timeouts. But as Mangan said on the sidelines afterwards,he gave it his best shot.11
ST. X STATS / BYERS FIELDBYERS FIELDat Robert M. Boulton StadiumWeek Nine:St. Xavier
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