THE SKINNY
Playoff-bound Nazareth forced two second-half turnovers and converted both into scores, including a fumble recovery in the end zone by Will Colmery after a fumbled Marian pass attempt. The Roadrunners also scored on their first offensive play of the half when sophomore Julian Love raced for a 21-yard score following a Doug DiFusco interception.
TURNING POINT
After an 18-yard punt by the Spartans in the second quarter, Nazareth (7-2, 4-2 East Suburban Catholic) wasted little time taking advantage. One play later, Love scored on a 34-yard run that gave the Roadrunners a 21-0 lead. Kicker Michael Hillsman added a 42-yard field goal in the final minute of the half to push the margin to 24-7.
THE STAR
Love found the end zone three times and rushed for 106 yards on just nine carries. He added a 15-yard TD run midway through the third quarter that gave Nazareth a 38-14 cushion.
BY THE NUMBERS
Nazareth used a stable of running backs on Saturday, as ten different players carried the ball for the Roadrunners. Senior Cyle Tucker was a load to bring down all afternoon, carrying the ball 16 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Nazareth rushed for a total of 283 yards on 50 carries.
QUOTABLE
“We went into the season really defining the team concept. I really hammered that (point), especially with this team not having the superstar, per se. We knew we would have a lot of contributors; the kids have really bought into that, they really pull for one another.” –Nazareth coach Tim Racki
