When St. Ignatius and St. Joseph traded scores throughout the first half of Friday night’s Catholic League Red contest, both teams were playing with the desperation of trying to win its first game of the season.
Three straight St. Ignatius offensive possessions that resulted in scores left little doubt after the intermission, as the Wolfpack pulled away for a 40-18 victory at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst.
Wolfpack quarterback Rocco DiLeo tossed touchdowns to Tyler Lowmiller and Nick Beltran in the first half. His 35-yard scoring strike to Beltran gave St. Ignatius a 20-12 lead with just over two minutes left before halftime.
DiLeo completed 6-of-12 passes for 82 yards, and also added a one-yard TD plunge in the final quarter for the Wolfpack’s final score.
Back-to-back rushing scores by Brandon Bobor allowed St. Ignatius to pull away from the Chargers (0-5, 0-2). Bobor carried nine times for 52 yards.
“We knew we had to win to keep our chances of winning the CCL Red alive,” said Bobor. “It felt good (to win), it was long overdue. But we played hard and I am proud of everyone.”
Macolm May also scored on the ground for the Wolfpack (1-4, 1-1), rushing for their first score on a six-yard first quarter run.
St. Joseph answered both of St. Ignatius’ scores, including a 15-yard TD completion from Casey Scalise to Brandon Johnson midway through the first quarter, cutting the deficit to 7-6 after a missed PAT kick.
The duo also connected on a 23-yard scoring play in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Johnson, a sophomore, led all rushers with 130 yards on 24 carries, and also added a two-yard TD in the second quarter.
Both teams are on the road next week, as the Chargers face Leo, and St. Ignatius will travel to Elmwood Park.
Pick up your local Pioneer Press newspaper on Sept. 27 to read more about the St. Joseph football team.
