Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

St. Patrick Beats Taft in Football Opener

By DNAinfo Staff | September 2, 2014 1:03pm
 Taft High School opened its 2014 football season against St. Patrick's.
Taft High School vs. St. Pat's
View Full Caption

The high school football season kicked off last weekend in Chicago, and the schools of the Northwest Side got off to a quick start.

At Lane Stadium, the St. Patrick Shamrocks built a big early lead on Taft and cruised to a 46-14 victory.

Zach Fuller threw for three touchdown passes as the quarterback led St. Patrick at Lane Stadium in both teams' season opener on Saturday.

The Shamrocks, who are hoping to make their third straight trip to the IHSA state playoffs for the first time, built a 26-0 lead and never looked back.

Mike Olijnyk had touchdown runs of 40 and 38 yards in the win. On defense, linebacker Anthony Jarvis had eight tackles and a pair of sacks.

"It was a great way to start the year," St. Patrick coach Dan Galante said. "It is a rivalry game, which is fun for both sides because the players and coaches know each other. Our offense scored on seven of eight possessions, and our defense flew around the field. We need to have a great week of practice and get ready for another rival, Lane Tech."

Top returning players for St. Patrick include: senior center Billy Moriarty; senior defensive lineman Frank Grassini; senior linebacker Anthony Jarvis; senior wide receiver Matt Smith; and junior wide receiver Trevor Heinlein.

For Taft, Roberto Juarez completed 14 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two TDs. Joe Shmerl had six receptions for 99 yards and a score.

"[St. Patrick is] the strongest team we'll play for a while," Taft coach Matt Walsh said. "I thought our kids were a little nervous to begin the game. Once they got that shaken out of them, I thought we played about as well as we could. I was real proud of the kids. I thought they finished the game. There was no quit from our side."

Walsh said he believes junior running back Alec Gonzalez and Oswaldo Ramirez will be key to his team's offensive success. On defense, the two leaders are Enrique Villasenor, a senior outside linebacker and strong safety; and Nick Sechasen, a senior inside linebacker and offensive lineman.

In other area season-opening action:

Loyola Academy 44, Marquette University High School 0: DJ Melsheimer threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns, while John Saliba rushed for 63 yards and a pair of scores. Owen Buscaglia caught six passes for 87 yards and three TDs.

Schurz 7, Maine East 0: Running back Darius Case scored the game's only touchdown.

Other scores: Notre Dame College Prep 34, Prairie Ridge 21; Steinmetz 24, Kelvyn Park 16; Foreman 12, Manley 8; and Round Lake 21, DePaul College Prep 14