Heading into the showdown in Elmhurst with IC Catholic Prep on Oct. 20, the Fenwick High School football team had a lot on the line.
Not only were the Friars attempting to end a three-game losing streak and gain a share of the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference Orange Division title, they were also looking to gain IHSA playoff eligibility.
It was imperative, then, for Fenwick to get off to a good start against a highly-talented team. Instead, the opposite happened as the host Knights scored on the first play from scrimmage just 16 seconds in. Quarterback Dennis Mandala connected with wide receiver Eric Karner for an 81-yard touchdown pass.
It was a harbinger of things to come for the Friars, as IC Catholic showcased its big-play capabilities in the first half to pull away for a 42-9 victory. The loss not only resulted in elimination from IHSA playoff contention, but also ended their chance to participate in this year’s Prep Bowl Playoffs.
“I think we ran into a really talented team, one that had our number called out for us,” said Fenwick senior quarterback Marek Hill, who completed 20-of-34 passes for 129 yards and added 46 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Fenwick (4-5, 1-2 in CCL/ESCC Orange) looked like it would even things as the defense forced IC Catholic running back Aaron Harvey to fumble deep in his own territory. Defensive lineman Nate Marshall recovered and returned the ball to the Knights’ 8. But the IC Catholic defense held, and the Friars settled for Noah Sur’s 23-yard field goal at the 4-minute mark of the opening quarter.
“The defense gave us a couple of chances early in the game, but we just weren’t able to execute,” Hill said. “We were preaching that all week, but we didn’t do it.”
After Sur’s kick, the Knights got rolling. On the ensuing possession, Joey Gliatta broke off a 53-yard run that set up his three-yard touchdown on the next play to raise IC’s lead to 14-3.
Another barrage of big plays came in the second quarter, which put Fenwick away. On a 3rd and 18 from the IC 32, Gliatta (seven carries, 162 yards) broke free down the left sideline for a 68-yard touchdown. A 41-yard catch by IC receiver KJ Parker set up Harvey’s eight-yard score. Finally, Dominick Hulak caught a short pass from Mandala (6-of-6, 227 yards) and took it to the house for a 60-yard touchdown and a commanding 35-3 halftime lead for the Knights (7-2, 2-1).
Fenwick’s offense had its moments but couldn’t sustain drives in the first half.
“We didn’t show up to play our best game, unfortunately,” Fenwick coach Matt Battaglia said. “We made our bed, and this is the result.”
After a scoreless third quarter, Harvey concluded IC’s scoring on the first play of the fourth with a five-yard run.
Fenwick’s only touchdown came with 2:47 remaining on a three-yard pass from junior backup quarterback Frankie Hosty to senior wide receiver Avion Brown (nine catches, 96 yards).
Hill said the 44-43 double-overtime loss at DePaul Prep on Oct. 13 ultimately kept the Friars from advancing to the postseason.
“Going into that game, we had a preconceived notion that we were going to win,” he said. “[But] winning a football game is hard; it takes everyone playing their best for 48 minutes. At that time, our season wasn’t on the line, but [DePaul Prep’s] was, and it showed in the determination that they had that night. They pulled it out, and hat’s off to them.”
Fenwick, which played in last year’s Prep Bowl final after being eliminated from the Class 5A state playoffs in the first round, won’t play in this year’s tournament. Battaglia said he didn’t want to risk further injuries to a depleted roster.
“We can’t stay healthy. We’re the walking dead right now,” he said.
Battaglia also said he’ll miss the seniors and thanked them for their leadership.
“It’s a great group of kids,” he said. “I love that group, and they’re going to have a lot of success in the future.”