Top-ranked Mt. Carmel took advantage of deficiencies in Marshall`s kicking game and rolled to a 42-18 victory in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs Wednesday at Gately Stadium.
After falling behind 6-0, the Caravan scored its first touchdown on a 38-yard run after a 4-yard punt and its second on a 37-yard drive after a punt that was botched.
Bobby Sanders carried 14 times for 80 yards and two touchdowns and caught a scoring pass from Mike McGrew as the Caravan began defense of its Class 5A state championship.
Vita Bibbs carried 13 times for 105 yards and one touchdown.
After McGrew`s pass to Sanders gave the Caravan a 21-6 lead, Marshall made a comeback.
Kevin James caught a 61-yard pass from Mozell Williams and C.W. Williams returned a fumble 21 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a touchodown. But both two-point conversions failed, leaving Mt. Carmel with a 21-18 lead.
Sanders scored on 5- and 4-yard runs in the third quarter to put the game away.
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”We gave them three big plays,” Mt. Carmel coach Frank Lenti said.
”They were in the game because we allowed them to do so.
”In the second half, our kids were in good shape and they turned the ball over (on downs).”
Hillcrest 36, Hubbard 13-Hillcrest (7-3) took a 36-0 lead behind Jesse James (six carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns and three catches for 56 yards and one touchdown) and Todd Gillispie (7 of 8 passing for 127 yards and one touchdown). Vyshaum Maney and Eddie Hemp also scored for Hillcrest. Hubbard is 7-4.
Oswego 13, Marian Catholic 0-J. Michels intercepted a pass to set up his own 3-yard touchdown run that gave Oswego a 7-0 lead on its way to an upset of No. 13 Marian. Oswego`s other score came on Tom Wreschinsky`s 3-yard run with 1:02 left in game.
”The defense played exceptionally,” Oswego coach Karl Hoinkes. ”It was their best game of the season. The kids were excited about playing, it was a great win.”
Oswego intercepted four passes, including the first three efforts of Rob Swanson.
”He could never get his rhythm,” Marian coach Dave Mattio said.
”There was pressure on him the whole game. The praise and glory should go to Oswego. They did their job. We couldn`t get the offense untracked.”