Football: Marian Catholic Gets Run Down by Nazareth

Breaking it Down: Though the rain held off at on Friday night, the Spartans couldn't hold off the running game of the Nazareth Academy Road Runners, as Nazareth rolled to a 35-19 victory.

In a battle of two teams designed to pound the rock, it was the Road Runners’ running backs who consistently found the holes. Nazareth Academy rolled up 351 yards on the ground, with tailback Rudy Romagnano tallying 219 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns. For the Spartans, running back Jeruel Taylor led the way again on the ground, gaining 162 yards on 18 carries. Taylor did not find the end zone in the game. Two of Marian's three touchdowns came on runs by quarterback Robert Cifelli, while wingback Randall Wells had the final touchdown of the night for the Spartans.

Patch’s MVP: Rudy Romagnano, Nazareth Academy. The Road Runners' tailback broke touchdown runs of 50, 3 and 42 yards to lead the charge for the visitors. Romagnano piled up 219 yards on 19 carries in a punishing effort.

Marian Catholic Stat Pack: Robert Cifelli rushed for two touchdowns and amassed 81 yards on 12 carries. Jacob Bishop notched a sack for the Spartans’ defense. Marian fumbled the ball five times, including one on a two-point attempt.

Nazareth Academy Stat Pack: Joseph DeSimone and Aeneas White both recovered fumbles for the Road Runners. Quarterback Sam Poulos went 2-for-3 for 57 passing yards and a touchdown. Running back Joshua Moore gained 84 yards on 15 carries.

Quotable I: Marian quarterback Robert Cifelli: “Obviously, you can't have any fumbles in a game and expect to win, but the bottom line in this game is we got out-hustled and outplayed. They just wanted it more than us, obviously.”

Quotable II: Marian head coach Dave Mattio: “They just physically manhandled us in every aspect of the ball game.”

Team Records: Marian Catholic fell to 2-1 overall and in conference play. Nazareth Academy improved to 2-1 overall and in conference play. Both teams play in the East Suburban Catholic League.

What's Next: Marian Catholic plays Carmel in Mundelein at 7:30 p.m. next Friday. Nazareth Academy hosts St. Patrick next Saturday.

Scores of Interest: Homewood-Flossmoor 42, Lincoln-Way Central 7;
 Carmel 26, Notre Dame 7; 
St. Patrick 27, Benet 9.
 For more scores, check the IHSA Score Zone.