John Carroll's Steve St.Clair appears to have fully mastered his team's new triple option offense. St.Clair rushed for three scores, connected with Soph DJ Owens in the air for another and returned an interception for a fifth TD as John Carroll routed St. Vincent Pallotti Friday night 41-8 in Laurel.

 

St.Clair rushed for 146 yards on 15 carries, and added a big defensive highlight when he picked off a third quarter pass and returned it 60 yards for a score. "It all starts with the center and the O line" St.Clair said in a post game interview, "those guys made it easy for me".

 

"Steve did a great job stepping into the QB position this week", said Head Coach Keith Rawlings. "I'm confident he'll be able to lead us the rest of the way".

 

"We got big plays from an assortment of guys this week", said Rawlings. Jr.

Sammy Chell had  3 carries for 82 yards including a 50 yard dash to get the Patriots out of danger in the third quarter. "Our line was awesome this week and our guys were able to execute, said Offensive Coordinator Rich Stichel.

The all senior line made up of Ryan McGrath, Jack Luttrell, Matt Farace and Tyler Weigand controlled the Pallotti defense and opened holes. "Our Offense got on track early and played in sync the whole game. It was their best outing of the season so far", said Rawlings.

 

The Patriots amassed six scores this week including a 21 yard run from Sr.

Sam von Paris, who was moved to fullback after breaking his hand two weeks ago.

 

Defensively John Carroll was stingy. "Our guys were ready from the opening kick and stepped up to the challenge this week", said Defensive Coordinator Tim Perry. Pallotti's only score came on a one yard sneak by quarterback John Eastman late in the third quarter. The Patriots Defense was led by Sr.

Ethan Reese at the middle linebacker position. "Ethan did a great job this week, he really stepped up and showed our younger guys how to play middle linebacker",  said Rawlings. Reese led the team with 13 tackles including 7 solos. Also on defense Sr Kenny Filiaggi and Soph Malcolm McMillion  had 7 tackles and Matt Giannelli had 6. The Patriots got two interceptions on the day. The first by St.Clair and a second from Soph Brian Hunt in the fourth quarter. St.Clair's interception was setup by Jr. Scott McIntyre. "Scott had a great play, beat his man and put pressure on the QB", said Rawlings. He forced an errant throw which St.Clair picked and returned for a 60 yard TD.

In the fourth quarter Soph Brian Hunt had his first pick of the year. "Brian played his man perfect and stepped in front of him to get the pick. He's been nursing a sore hamstring this year and it was great to see a him get this opportunity". Said Rawlings. Hunt returned his interception for 47 yards.

 

The win put John Carroll right back in the mix in the MIAA B Conference.

With an overall record of 4-3, 3-2 in the conference, the Patriots are still alive.

 

Next week John Carroll host conference rival Boys Latin, 7:00 at Gerry Gray stadium.