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@SIHSSportssihsathleticssihssports2021 GAME NOTESGAME TEN:FOOTBALL NORTH-CLARKSON1Ignatiuswildcats.com
THE MATCHUPTeam InformationSaint Ignatius High School: 5-4OHSAA Division I, Region 1Head Coach: Chuck Kyle ’69Record at School: 366-103-1Overall Record: 366-103-1atFOOTBALL NORTH-CLARKSONCHARGERSSaint IgnatiusWILDCATSOctober 23, 2021Media InformationBYERS FIELDKickoff: 2 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. XavierW, 28-2110/23 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.2Football North-Clarkson: 2-4OHSAA Equivalent: Division 3Head Coach: Larry JusdanisRecord at School: 15-23Overall Record: 15-23For 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. Football North-Clarkson: 2-19/28/19L40-41H9/29/18W45-13H9/30/17W38-7HA LOOK BACK.SEPT. 28, 2019The Previous MeetingOn the last play of the game, the top highschool program in Canada, hailing fromClarkson Secondary School in Mississauga (asuburb of Toronto), completed anincredible 49-yard Hail Mary pass to win aback-and-forth affair, 41-40. An extra pointwith the clock at 0:00 sealed the Wildcats’fate, dropping the men of Ohio City to 2-3and sending the men of the North into afrenzied celebration.With the score at 34-34 with 6:35 left in thegame, the Wildcats opted for a clock-burningapproach. Griffin Hanna ‘20 handed the balloff to Jack Welcsh ‘20 on nine plays in a13-play, 80-yard drive. Thanks to greatblocking, Welcsh found paydirt to the left ona 17-yard run with 27 seconds left.As it turned out, that was enough time forFootball North to march 29 yards down thefield to set up an incredible Hail Mary playfrom Quincy Vaughn to Nathan Demontagnacand an unforgettable upset for the visitors.Yes, the 2019 edition of Football North is notyour average team from Canada.The game started out on a positive note forthe Wildcats, as Connor Cmiel ‘20 interceptedFootball North on the first drive of thecontest. Starting at its own 41-yard line, theSaint Ignatius offense made it to the Clarkson31-yard line before stalling out. DeclanMangan ‘20 trotted in for a 48-yard field goal,and made it with ease for a 3-0 lead.Thanks to some nice passes from Hanna, theWildcats moved down the field. Hannafinished off the nice drive with a 4-yardtouchdown run, and Rory McConville ‘20kicked the extra point for a 10-7 lead with 1:24left.Vaughn and Football North did not want togo into the break with a deficit, however.Utilizing a two-minute drill offense, Vaughnnavigated his team down the field andfinished off the drive with a 12-yardtouchdown pass with eight secondsremaining. The visitors headed into halftimewith a 14-10 lead.When the Wildcats needed him most,Welcsh was there. The senior barreled aheadnine times on a 13-play drive for bruisinggains. His bowling-ball style with finessemixed in paid off on a 17-yard TD run with 27seconds left. But with a missed extra pointand a Hail Mary pass to the outstretched armsof a 6’4” Nathan Demontagnac, the Wildcatswalked away empty-handed.Ignatiuswildcats.comWildcats Storylines .THE FINALE: No matter the outcome of week ten, the Wildcats will beheading to the OHSAA Division I Region I Playoffs. Saint Ignatius is rankedsixth in the region after the 28-21 win vs. the defending State Champion St.Xavier Bombers. In all four losses on the season, each game has come downto the final possession. The Wildcats are battle-tested and will have onefinal tune-up against the Football-North Clarkson Chargers. This will be thefourth meeting between these two programs, as the last match-up favoredNorth-Clarkson from a last-second Hail Mary. With the PAT, the Chargerswon 41-40.RUN MARTY RUN: In week nine, Marty Lenehan scored the game-winningtouchdown vs. St. Xavier with a 20-yard scamper with 5:40 remaining inthe contest. Lenehan was an absolute bruiser against the Bombers as hewould rack up 119 yards on 32 carries. Lenehan, this season now has 16 totaltouchdowns, with 15 of those coming via the ground. The persistency of theground attack assisted the Cats to a 28-21 victory on Saturday.JOEY RETURNS: Since week six of the season, the Wildcats have missedtheir senior signal-caller in Joey Pfaff. Pfaff returned from injury againstSt. Xavier and found his rhythm, making beautiful passes downfield to MaxMuresan, Patrick Tompkins and Colin Vollmer. Pfaff hit on four passes thatwere 30 yards giving the offense that quick-strike ability. Pfaff would finish10-of-21 passing for 212 yards and three touchdowns.MURESAN AND COMPANY: Max Muresan made three crucial catches in the28-21 victory against St. Xavier. Muresan would score his first touchdownin the opening quarter as Pfaff found his target on a fly route for a 36-yardscore. Muresan would score his second touchdown in the third quarter ona 47-yard connection from Pfaff to give the Wildcats their first lead of thenight. Perhaps one of the most critical plays of the night came in the fourthquarter on a 3rd & 8 as Muresan won a 50/50 battle for the ball against AlexKemper. The conversion set up a Lenehan 20-yard touchdown. Other bigplays from receivers came from Patrick Tompkins (back in his receiving role)and Colin Vollmer as the Cats enjoyed a balanced offense.FRANZINGER’S MEN: A season ago, the Wildcat defense surrendered 62points to the St. Xavier Bombers. On Saturday, they held one of the mostexplosive offenses in the state to just 21, with two of those scores comingoff turnovers. Defensive Coordinator Ryan Franzinger’s ‘02 defense put ona show, allowing just one touchdown in the second half helping the Catssecure a 28-21 win. It was a team effort for the defense as they continuedto shut down the opposition’s run game as they held the Bombers to just 51yards on the ground.DISCIPLINED SECONDARY: The Wildcats secondary understood that theyneeded to play a near-perfect game to take down the defending StateChampions. The secondary limited St. Xavier’s Brogan McCaughey to20-of-36 passing for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Norris wouldice the game on an interception for the final play of the game. Secondarycoaches Kevin Johnson and John Pieschalski saw tremendous performancesfrom Norris, Jack Mangan, Griffin Taliak, Brandon Webster and AJ Spellacyto slow down the Bombers aerial attack.OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN: The captains for the 2021 season are #22 MartyLenehan, #34 Christopher Aerni, #95 Peter Chalhoub and #99 ThomasWasinski.3
ABOUT FOOTBALL NORTH-CLARKSON .Learning about the Chargers .2021 Football NorthABOUT FOOTBALL NORTH: Football North is a program locatedin Mississauga, a suburb of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Theteam’s students attend Clarkson Secondary School. Theprogram’s goals are to help its players earn NCAA footballscholarships and compete on a level with top programs in theUnited States. Football North is in its fourth season with LarryJusdanis, a former quarterback in the Canadian Football League.The Chargers did not play in the 2020 season due to thepandemic.THE OHIO TOUR: Football North will conclude their tour of Ohioin the 2021 season against Saint Ignatius. The Chargers haveplayed some of the areas best that include Mentor, St. Edwardand Cincinnati Elder. Despite losing those three match-ups,Football North has shown that they can compete. The Chargerswill look to put all the pieces together when they take on theWildcats. After Saint Ignatius, the Chargers will travel to Floridato take on IMG Academy to wrap up their 2021 season.WITHER FILE: Taking the snaps for Football North will be CallumWither. Wither has a strong arm and has shown signs ofimprovement through the last three match-ups. Wither is athree-star Quarterback from Ontario, Canada. Wither will becontinuing his football and academic career at Ohio Universitynext fall. Football North has shown the ability to move thefootball against Mentor, St. Edward and Cincinnati Elder;however, they haven’t been able to cap drives off with points.Wither leads a potent offense that the Wildcats must beprepared to slow down.MAN-TO-MAN: Football North primarily uses man-to-mancoverage, in evidence of their games against St. Edward andMentor. Players such as Max Muresan and Patrick Tompkins haveshown they have great speed and can break through man-to-mancoverage. This will be an excellent test for Joey Pfaff as theWildcat offense looks to continue to build their rhythm headinginto the first round of the OHSAA Tournament.FAMILIAR FORMATIONS: This game marks the fourthmatch-up between the Wildcats and Football North. The SaintIgnatius coaching staff has plenty of films to review for week ten.Over the last three match-ups, Football North’s defense mainlyoperates in a four-man front, a scheme the Wildcats have seenplenty. The Wildcats are also preparing for a 3-man front, whichFootball North has used this year to keep opponents on guard.When these two squared off on the gridiron, the Chargers cameaway with a Hail Mary victory and walked off against the Wildcats42-41. Saint Ignatius will be looking for revenge from 2019.ScheduleAug. 19@ Wheaton Avalon (MD)Aug. 24@ Capital Prep Harbor (CT) W, 49-6Aug. 27@ Life Christian Academy (VA) L, 20-26Sept. 17@ MentorL, 19-41Oct. 8@ St. EdwardL, 7-38Oct. 15@ Cincinnati ElderOct. 23@ Saint Ignatius2:00 p.m.Nov. 11@ IMG Academy (FL)7:00 p.m.W, 35-20L, 20-49DIVISION I AP POLL(Week 9 State Poll)1. Medina (15)9-02022. Marysville (2)8-01693. Lakewood St. Edward (1)8-11464. Upper Arlington (1)9-01345. Springfield7-1966. New Albany9-0957. Cincinnati St. Xavier7-2898. West Chester Lakota West7-1829. Pickerington Central8-17510. Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (2) 7-271ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSA special thank you to several people fortheir help throughout the 2021 season:Bill Ginley ‘77: For his extensiveresearch in Wildcat football, supportand game note edits each week.Brian Zawicki: For his help researchingstats and information on opponents.Saint Ignatius Coaches: For their helpand time each week through the season42021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
BY THE NUMBERS/ WILDCATS TO WATCH322Total yards of offensevs. St. Xavier28:00Time of possession vs.St. Xavier6-6When playing onOctober 23.51Rushing yards allowedin week 9430 yard plays fromJoey Pfaff’s arm lastweek7Points allowed in thesecond half vs. St.XavierIgnatiuswildcats.comK/P ZEB ELDRIDGE ‘22Zeb Eldridge has been aphenomenal piece for HeadFootball Coach Chuck Kyle’s ‘69special teams unit. Eldridge hasput the team in the best positionthroughout this season, pinningopponents back inside theirterritory on punts.Last week vs. St. Xavier, Eldridgewould punt the ball four times,pinning the Bombers inside the20 twice and averaging 35.5yards per punt.Coach Kyle preaches theimportance of special teams andthat third facet wins ball games.That was evident in last week’s28-21 victory over St. Xavier.Eldridge is a five-star kicker inthe country and will play a crucialpart in playoff time for SaintIgnatius Football.LB BRAEDEN LAIR ‘22Braeden Lair has been an excellent addition to DefensiveCoordinator Ryan Franzinger’slinebacking core. Lair was movedfrom a safety position to anoutside linebacker spot and it hasbeen a perfect fit for the senior.In week nine, Lair started as anoutside linebacker against the St.Xavier Bombers and was a partof a defense that slowed ahigh-powered offense to just 21points.In the victory, Lair came awaywith seven total tackles and hada balance of blitz and coverageplays for the Wildcat defense.The defense is a staple of theWildcats as they look to continueto get better as they head intopostseason play. Lair is versatilewith his incredible speed andpower, which can help elevatethe Cats to make a run in theOHSAA Tournament in 2021.5
SAINT IGNATIUS VARSITY 515253546NameSteven 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 KrebsJack SizemoreYr. Ht. Wt. 8182838485868788899091959799NameYr. Ht. Wt. PositionJoe RylandEdmund SoederDominic FerencePatrick LavelleTimothy LanzoMitchell HylandAngelo CamargoRyan BoomerNick HebanBrian KeaneWilliam WitalisAshton MontgomeryMichael ThompsonColin FarrellJames RaynorSean WardPatrick TompkinsMax MuresanCole FrabottaDamon FrabottaChristopher RealiHunter MoriarityWill RobinsonAJ SpellacyJonathan MerimeeGarrett ButchkoJoseph KausePeter ChalhoubEugene GibbonsThomas �6’1”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 ‘99285 OL210 LB275 OL270 OL/DL245 OL/DL264 OL265 OL240 DL240 OL300 OL260 OL285 OL248 OL225 OL290 OL230 TE190 WR160 WR170 WR185 WR170 WR210 TE240 TE/DL180 WR/DB180 WR211 OL/DL230 DL250 DL240 DL255 DL/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
FOOTBALL NORTH-CLARKSON CHARGERS ROSTERNo. 07172757780818286879299LAST NAMENAMEPOS.KalumeNicolasLBSargeantCalebRBMilloy tthewDBSangmuahBenjaminDBFernandez del Castillo Cu hechingerMitchelOLSt ianDLSmithWilliamOLTyrell JrMekhiWRMaxwellO KeyesRobertDLKhiljiKumailDL7
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” 145OLB3945Gavin BergerBlase MastrianniSr.Sr.6’1” 2056’0” 210MLB3452Chris AerniRyan ArdireSr.So.5’11” 2106’1” 212OLBWRSr. 6’5” 195Sr. 6’2” 185Jr. 6’1” 18246 Braeden Lair35 Max PalinskiSr.Jr.6’1”6’1”CB248Sr.Jr.6’1” 1756’0” 17576 Ashton Montgomery64 Mitchell HylandLG75 William Witalis51 William PersianiSr. 6’3” 285Jr. 6’3” 264SS30 Joe Norris10 Edwin AbiaklSr.Sr.6’1” 1805’10” 168Sr. 6’3” 260Sr. 5’10” 250SS9Griffin Taliak30 Joe NorrisSr.Sr.6’0” 1756’1” 180C6174Jr. 6’0” 270Sr. 6’5” 300FS88 AJ Spellacy30 Joe NorrisSo.Sr.6’2”6’1”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-ouse#95 Peter Cha-LUBEFrankin PikeBrandon Webster200205SPECIAL 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 / BYERS FIELDCleveland.com Top 251. (2) Medina (9-0)2. (1) St. Edward (8-1)3. (3) Chardon (9-0)4. (4) Archbishop Hoban (7-2)5. (7) Saint Ignatius (5-4)6. (5) Kirtland (8-0)7. (8) Avon (7-2)8. (6) Benedictine (6-1)9. (9) Walsh Jesuit (7-2)10. (10) Stow (7-2)11. (11) Barberton (8-1)12. (13) Hudson (8-1)13. (14) Highland (8-1)14. (12) Aurora (7-2)15. (15) Brunswick (5-4)16. (16) Olmsted Falls (7-2)17. (17) North Royalton (6-3)18. (18) Nordonia (7-2)19. (19) Berea-Midpark (6-3)20. (21) Cleveland Heights (7-2)21. (23) Solon (4-5)22. (24) Mentor (4-5)23. (20) Strongsville (5-4)24. (25) Norton (8-0)25. (-) Kenston (8-1)This Day in HistoryOctober 23Games .12First Game .1926Most Recent Game.2010Saint Ignatius Wins.6Last Saint Ignatius Win.1998Saint Ignatius Losses.6Last Saint Ignatius Loss.2010Ties.0Last Tie.N/ALargest Margin of VictorySaint Ignatius.31, 1998 vs. St. EdwardOpponents.18, 1947 vs. Cleveland West TechGames on Oct. 23 (6-6):1926 vs. Cleveland Collinwood W 6-01947 vs. Cleveland West Tech L 7-251948 vs. Benedictine L 3-61953 vs. Cleveland Rhodes L 7-211954 vs. Cleveland West Tech W 13-61965 vs. Cleveland John Marshall W 12-01982 vs. St. Joseph W 14-91993 vs. St. Edward W 35-34 (3OT)1998 vs. St. Edward W 38-71999 vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier L 33-502004 vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier L 10-13BYERS FIELD atRobert M. Boulton Stadium7600 Day Drive (corner of Ridge Road and DayDrive)Parma, OhioBuilt: 1928 (Major Renovations in1940, 1957, 1963, 1993, 2013)Playing Surface: Field TurfSeating Capacity: 11,850Wildcats’ Overall Record at Byers: 123-39-1Record at Byers during Kyle Era: 109-30(First official ‘home’ game was played on October 7,2000, vs Canton McKinley)The Wildcats have played at least one game atByers Field in 36 of the last 38 years (seasons without games - 1984 and 1991) 2021 marks the 94thseason that football has been played on this location, now known as Byers Field at Robert M. BoultonStadium.The press box, which has been upgraded in the pastfive seasons with a new working media area and newwindows, seats 30 journalists and broadcasters. Newfield turf was installed for the 2012 season. Thestadium has also had handicap seating added to bothsets of grandstands, including 46 wheelchair andcom-panion seats on the home side of the stadium.Parma City Schools invested nearly 1.2 million intothe facility during the summer of 2014, including anew parking lot on the south end of the stadium andthe full replacement of the parking lot on the eastside of the stadium under the press box.On August 26, 2009, Byers Field was re-dedicatedand renamed in honor of Robert M. Boulton, theretired Superintendent of Athletics for the Parma CitySchools and a Parma Senior High grad. The newname – Byers Field at Robert M. Boulton Stadium wasrevealed, during a 50-yard line ceremony, to Mr.Boulton for his many years of service to thecommunity.2010 vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier L 9-19Ignatiuswildcats.com9
GAME PREVIEWONE FINAL TUNE-UP BEFORE THE POSTSEASONSaint Ignatius won an instant classic vs. St. Xavier in theJesuit Bowl as they defeated the #4 ranked team in the state28-21 at Pat Catan Stadium in Strongsville. The Wildcatshave played their fair share of close ball games this season;however, they have fallen on the wrong side of the scoresheet four different times in those close games. Saint Ignatiusput the pieces together and came out victorious in a closegame vs. the Bombers.“It was a situation where we knew we were good becausethese games are coming down to one or two points againstoutstanding teams,” says Head Football Coach Chuck Kyle‘69. “What ended up happening this past weekend was anexcellent team effort; the scout team gave us a great lookin practice. We played with a very intense level, we wereundersized, but we scrapped our way to win that ball game.”The Wildcats will have one more regular-season match-upin 2021 as they take on Football North-Clarkson (ONT) atByers Field for Senior Day. This will be the Cats’ final tune-upbefore heading into the OHSAA Tournament and can clinch ahome playoff game with a victory on Saturday.SAINT IGNATIUS OFFENSE VS. FOOTBALL NORTH DEFENSESaint Ignatius’ Joey Pfaff returned from injury after beingsidelined against St. Edward and Archbishop Moeller. Pfaffstepped back in the starting role and brought a veteranpresence that helped the offense get into a rhythm againstthe St. Xavier Bombers. Pfaff would finish the game 10-of21 for 212 yards and three touchdowns. Pfaff brought thequick-strike ability finding big plays with fellow senior MaxMuresan as they would connect on two 35 yard touchdownpasses.“Joey has been battling injuries all season, but hisexperience is so helpful on the field,” explains Kyle. “He hit bigplays for us that we have been hoping for all year; the gamevs. St. Xavier shows the value of hitting that big play throughthe air to open up the run game.”St. Xavier did well slowing Marty Lenehan in the first half,but the Wildcats did not stray away from running the football.Finally, a big run would break for Lenehan and the offense ashe would score the game-winning touchdown on a 20-yardrun. With the passing game’s success, the lanes opened forLenehan as he would rush for 119 yards on 32 carries.Football North-Clarkson’s defense will give different looksto knock an offense off their game. The Chargers will typicallyrun a four-man front on the defensive line but occasionallydrop to a three-front line. This is a defense that will go intoman coverage and attempt to blitz on an offense.“They give you different looks and that is what we arefocusing on in practice this week are multiple defensivelooks,” explains Kyle. “They have good speed on defense;this is a good team; they have lost some games to excellentopponents. Coming off the gauntlet of playing St. Edward,Moeller and St. Xavier, you hope the kids can keep the sameintensity vs. Football North.”The offensive line for Saint Ignatius is scheming against thedifferent packages they’ll see on Saturday in week ten.10SAINT IGNATIUS DEFENSE VS. FOOTBALL NORTH OFFENSEThe defense for the Wildcats through nine games thisseason is allowing 20 points per game to their opponents.They have played with great intensity this season, putting theteam in the best opportunity to win. After allowing 62 pointsto St. Xavier in last season’s game, the defense came togetherand allowed just 21 points against the Bombers. Coach Kylenotes the defensive groups’ bend-no-break mentality as theymade significant adjustments in the second half, allowing justseven points.“We had a solid performance by the defense when it wasa crucial time to stop a drive,” says Kyle. “They gave theopportunity to the offense, a lot of credit to the defense, theyplayed with high intensity. They kept their composure andplayed an outstanding game vs. St. Xavier; our technique wonthe day.”The ground game for the Bombers never developed as thefront seven continued to reak havoc on an opponent rushingattack. Just 51 yards is all St. Xavier could muster in the rungame.The defense this week will have a great test againstFootball North-Clarkson. They will take on a three-starquarterback and Ohio University commit, Callum Wither.“This is an outstanding offensive team, their quarterbackis a Division I commit and they have size up-front in theirlineman,” says Kyle. “They have a small but quick runningback, along with Division I level wide receivers. This will be areal good challenge for us; the way our schedule is, there isno easy game.”Football North played the role of spoiler in 2019 as theywould defeat Saint Ignatius on a Hail Mary pass in the finalseconds to secure a 42-41 victory. The offense was explosivethat night for the Chargers as they would total 508 yards ofoffense in the win vs. the Wildcats. Football North will look toagain play the role of spoilers as they finish their tour of Ohioagainst the Wildcats before heading to Florida to take on IMGAcademy.SPECIAL TEAMSSpecial teams played a significant role in the Wildcatswin vs. St. Xavier in week nine as they pinned the Bombersback multiple times in their territory. “Our special teams dida fantastic job and that was important,” explains Kyle. “Wehad great field position because of our special teams unit; westarted drives near midfield most of the time, which is all youcan ask for with special teams.”Zeb Eldridge would punt the football four times, averaging35.5 yards per punt and pinning the Bombers inside the 20twice. Eldridge’s longest punt was 46 yards to pin St. Xavierinside their five, which gave excellent field position for theWildcat offense.Saint Ignatius is currently ranked sixth in the region,heading into the final weekend of the regular season. With awin, they will secure a home playoff game in the first round atByers Field. The Wildcats head into week ten with one morechance at a tune-up before competing for a State Championship.2021 Saint Ignatius Football Game Notes
ST. XAVIER GAMEThe Cats Ground the BombersBy Danny Gibel ‘22Week Nine:Saint Ignatius: 28 St. Xavier: 21Saturday, October 16, 2021Score by Quarters1Saint Ignatius 7St. Xavier 14270370477Total28211st Quarter09:43 STX - Klare 11 yd PASS from McCaughey (Rohmiller kick)06:39 SIHS - Muresan 36 yd PASS from Pfaff (Eldridge kick)03:58 STX - McFarlin 37 yd PASS from McCaughey (Rohmiller kick)2nd Quarter00:24SIHS - Tompkins 4 yd PASS from Pfaff (Eldridge kick)3rd Quarter05:41SIHS - Muresan 47 yd PASS from Pfaff (Eldridge kick)4th Quarter10:45STX - McCaughey 1 yd RUN (Rohmiller kick)05:40SIHS - Lenehan 20 yd RUN (Eldridge kick)SIHS STXFIRST DOWNS 19 14RUSHES-YARDS (NET)42-11023-51PASSING YDS (NET)212218Passes Att-Comp-Int23-10-236-20-1TOTAL PLAYS-YARDS65-32259-269Fumble Returns-Yards0-02-0Punt Returns-Yards1-[-1]0-0Kickoff Returns-Yards0-03-65Interception Returns-Yards 1-82-0Punts (Number-Avg)4-35.56-32.0Fumbles-Lost 2-2 0-0Penalties-Yards 3-24 6-43Third-Down Conversions 6-122-12Fourth-Down Conversions 0-01-3Possession Time28:0020:00RUSHING: Saint Ignatius - Lenehan 32-119; Georges 4-19; Pfaff 2-[-18];Papesh 2-[-17]; Tompkins 1-7, Martin 1-0Xavier - Kellom 14-46; McCaughey 6-17; TEAM 1-[-1];Bareswilt 1-[-11]; Klare 1-0PASSING: Saint Ignatius - Pfaff 21-10-2-212; Papesh 2-0-0-0;Xavier - McCaughey 36-20-1-218RECEIVING
Saint Ignatius High School: 5-4 OHSAA Division I, Region 1 Head Coach: Chuck Kyle '69 . Saint Ignatius WILDCATS Broadcast Information Saint Ignatius Broadcasting Network Play-by-Play: Danny Gibel '22 Color Analyst: Andrew Gus '22 Analyst/Show Host: Drew Pieschalski '23 Patrick Laudolff '24 . 9/4 vs. Mount St. Joseph (MD) W, 20-6 9 .
