Patriots celebrate Homecoming with third consecutive victory.

The John Carroll Patriots get their third win in a row over conference rival Cardinal Gibbons 25-12 Friday night at Gerry Gray stadium. The Patriots are

6-3 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA B Conference. "It's very exciting for our program right now", said head coach Keith Rawlings. "We are one game away from going to the championship". In a three way tie for second place, the Patriots control their own destiny. "What better position can you ask for", said Rawlings, " we defeat Curley this week, and then go to Johnny Unitas stadium 15 November for the championship, that's our plan and the championship has been our goal since day one".

This weeks contest against Gibbons started out a lot like last week. On the first play of the game Jr. QB Stephen St.Clair took the snap and went 55 yards for the games first score. St.Clair had 145 yards on the day with 14 carries and was 5-10 for 49 yards in the air. "He's been doing everything we ask of him", said Offensive Coordinator Rich Stichel. "He's done a great job since coming in three weeks ago". "Our line continues to play solid up front, we are peaking at the right time", Said Rawlings.

The line opened holes all day and the Patriots were able to score three rushing TD's. Sr. Sam Von Paris recorded two, on runs of 20 & 8 and on the day went 45 yards on 6 carries. Rotating with Von Paris at fullback, Sr.

Ethan Reese had 115 yards on 19 carries. Sr. Eric hart was perfect on three PAT's and also connected for a 37 yard field goal. The Offense recorded 418 yards and 25 points as a unit.

The Patriots Special Teams unit also played well this week. "We got good field position on two kick returns from Sr. Blaine Greig 30 yards and Jr.

Dave Pons, 25 yards", said Special teams coach Sam High. "If we can get our offense that advantage, we will do well", said High.

The Patriot Defense was solid, led by Sr. linebacker Ethan Reese with nine tackles, Von Paris with seven, St.Clair and Jr. Sam Chell with five each.

The Patriots won the turnover battle getting a fumble recovery from Sr.

Kenny Filiaggi and St.Clair had an interception, his third in as many games, fourth on the season.

The defense will have to be very stingy this week to hold off Archbishop Curley and send the Patriots to the championship. "In order for us to be successful, we need to have our best week of practice", said Rawlings.

"Curley has a strong running game, that's no secret", but we got a great game plan and our defense will be ready".

This weeks contest will be held at John Carroll Friday.