Marian Catholic (1-7, 0-6 East Suburban Catholic) @ Benet (5-3, 3-3 East Suburban Catholic), 7:30PM.
Last week: Marian Catholic lost at Notre Dame, 35-7; Benet lost at Joliet Catholic, 27-0
Storyline: A week after getting shut out at Joliet Catholic, Benet will look to officially clinch its postseason spot in Class 7A with a victory Friday night over Marian Catholic at Benedictine University.
Against the Hilltoppers, the Redwings were limited to just 136 total yards offensively as three turnovers, including a pair of Jack Sznajder interceptions, harmed their chances of getting into any sort of rhythm.
Brad Sznajder was held in check by the Joliet Catholic defense, which held the man who now owns both of Benet’s single-season and career rushing records, to just 18 yards on 10 carries.
Trenton Kramer and Glen Kleinschmidt each recovered fumbles for defensive coordinator Tim Cederblad’s charges against Joliet Catholic.
With sights set on getting to the postseason for a third straight year and for the fourth time in five years under coach Pat New, the Redwings welcome one-win Marian Catholic to Lisle.
The Spartans have lost their last seven games after opening up the year with a 49-6 victory over Hyde Park.
Held to seven points or fewer offensively six times this season, the Spartans have scored in double figures just one time since that season-opening victory: 17 points in a 56-17 loss to Nazareth on Sept. 26.
Benet coach Pat New on Marian Catholic: “I told our team (Tuesday), it’d be a team that comes in with nothing to lose, so they play really inspired football. As far as what they do well, their quarterback’s (Matt Mindak) obviously is a big threat. He’s versatile, athletic, runs well. He’s scored touchdowns against top-ranked defenses like Nazareth. So he’s certainly capable and containing him is going to be one of (our) main objectives.”
