The Foresters improved to 4-0 in the Midwest Conference and currently sit alone at the top of the conference standings, a 1/2 game ahead of both Illinois College and Monmouth College, with their victory over Carroll University.
In a physical football game that was dominated by the two teams defenses, the Foresters would have the first opportunity to score, but after failing to convert on a third down, they missed a field goal from the 20 yard line. The game would be a field position battle, highlighted by both teams punters who averaged over 38 yards per punt. The Pioneers would finally cap off an 11-play 74 yard drive with a field goal. The drive saw the Foresters record three consecutive stops, including a tackle for a loss, inside the 3 yard line.
The Foresters would come out in the second half, and their adjustments seemed to be very productive.Quarterbacks Pete Scaffidi (South Elgin HS, South Elgin, IL) and Mike Lewis (Canyon Del Oro High School, Tucson, AZ) each threw second half touchdown passes. It was Mike’s first collegiate touchdown pass. Lewis' pass was completed to Senior WR Austin Sobey (Mt. Prospect, Prospect, IL) who continues to climb the all-time record books for the Foresters as he moved into 5th all-time in receptions and 4th in all-time touchdown receptions. Senior WR Rocky Al-Mutawa returned from injury to record the game winning touchdown pass for the Foresters in the fourth quarter. Freshman WR David Rafter (Palm Desert HS, Bermuda Dunes, CA) recorded four catches in his first collegiate start for the Foresters. The Forester running game was paced by Senior Al Mitchell (Pulaski HS, Milwaukee, WI) and Alec Howe (Spring Lake HS, Spring Lake, MI) who combined for 26 Carries for 86 yards.
"That was a great win. Our players should be proud of the way that they played. This was a tough environment on their homecoming. There were a lot of loud fans, but none were louder than the Forester fans at the end of the game. Our guys showed that they came ready to play the whole sixty minutes. There was never a time where they lost confidence. Carroll did a great job, they made plays and gave themselves a chance to have a fourth quarter lead, and a chance to win the game late. Our players, fortunately for us, were able to make more plays than they were, and we are getting out of here with a win. We haven't beaten Carroll in a while, so this was a great win, and one that we need to continue to build off of," said Coach Catanzaro.
In a physical football game that was dominated by the two teams defenses, the Foresters would have the first opportunity to score, but after failing to convert on a third down, they missed a field goal from the 20 yard line. The game would be a field position battle, highlighted by both teams punters who averaged over 38 yards per punt. The Pioneers would finally cap off an 11-play 74 yard drive with a field goal. The drive saw the Foresters record three consecutive stops, including a tackle for a loss, inside the 3 yard line.
The Foresters would come out in the second half, and their adjustments seemed to be very productive.Quarterbacks Pete Scaffidi (South Elgin HS, South Elgin, IL) and Mike Lewis (Canyon Del Oro High School, Tucson, AZ) each threw second half touchdown passes. It was Mike’s first collegiate touchdown pass. Lewis' pass was completed to Senior WR Austin Sobey (Mt. Prospect, Prospect, IL) who continues to climb the all-time record books for the Foresters as he moved into 5th all-time in receptions and 4th in all-time touchdown receptions. Senior WR Rocky Al-Mutawa returned from injury to record the game winning touchdown pass for the Foresters in the fourth quarter. Freshman WR David Rafter (Palm Desert HS, Bermuda Dunes, CA) recorded four catches in his first collegiate start for the Foresters. The Forester running game was paced by Senior Al Mitchell (Pulaski HS, Milwaukee, WI) and Alec Howe (Spring Lake HS, Spring Lake, MI) who combined for 26 Carries for 86 yards.
The victory on Saturday, was clinched with an interception by Senior Safety Dominic Campagna (Fenwick Highs School, Chicago, IL) with 24 seconds to go in the game. Campagna’s interception was one of the FIVE turnovers forced by the defense, who received interceptions from Junior Cornerback Ed Dobernig (Eisenhower HS, New Berlin, WI) and Freshman Safety Pat Clark (Naperville Central, Naperville, IL). Junior Linebacker John Dillon (Basha High School, Glendale, AZ) recovered a fumble created by Junior CB Nick Waters (Centennial High School, Las Vegas, NV) while Junior Defensive End Taylor Holzmeyer (Hazelwood West HS, St. Louis, MO) forced and recovered a fumble while Junior LB Jordan Cruz(Birdville High School, North Richland Hills, TX ) held up the Pioneer QB. . Senior Defensive End Jake Rotkvich (St. Laurence High School, Chicago, IL), recorded 2.5 TFL’s and a sack.
"That was a great win. Our players should be proud of the way that they played. This was a tough environment on their homecoming. There were a lot of loud fans, but none were louder than the Forester fans at the end of the game. Our guys showed that they came ready to play the whole sixty minutes. There was never a time where they lost confidence. Carroll did a great job, they made plays and gave themselves a chance to have a fourth quarter lead, and a chance to win the game late. Our players, fortunately for us, were able to make more plays than they were, and we are getting out of here with a win. We haven't beaten Carroll in a while, so this was a great win, and one that we need to continue to build off of," said Coach Catanzaro.
The Foresters will return to action this upcoming Saturday as they entertain the Illinois College Blueboys (4-0, 3-0 MWC) in a game that pits the MWC's #1 defense vs. the #1 Offense. Game time is 1:30pm.
"This game is huge. There is no doubt that we will be facing our biggest challenge to date. I am excited for that, its what we coach, and why our players play," commented Catanzaro.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Offensive POTW: SR. Rocky Al-Mutawa-WR (Pulaski HS, Milwaukee, WI) 2 Catches, 51 yards, 1 TD.
Defensive POTW: JR. Eddie Dobernig- DB (Eisenhower HS, New Berlin, WI) 11 Tackles, 1 Int, 1 PD.
Special Teams POTW: FR. Pat Clark- DB (Naperville Central HS, Naperville, IL) 1 Tackle, downed two punts inside the 5 yard line.
Lineman of the Week: JR. Michael Garetto-Balmer- DE (Marist HS, Chicago, IL) 1 Tackle, 1 Batted Pass, 3 QB Hurries, 2 QB Knockdowns.
Scout Team POTW: FR. David Hogan- DB (Rolling Meadows HS, Arlington Heights, IL)
