Sports
FOOTBALL: Benet Holds off Late Charge by Andrew for Playoff Win
Benet 24, Andrew 10. A strong defensive effort and clutch passes by Redwings QB Jack Beneventi were crucial in first-round victory in the Class 7A playoffs.
Breaking It Down: What a difference a year makes. In 2011, Benet finished a dismal 1-8. In 2012, it finished the regular season 8-1 and have won their first playoff game.
Benet’s defense was a major reason why. It held Andrew to a 25-yard field goal early in the first after Jack Beneventi was picked off on a pass that caromed off a player’s foot before T-Bolts defensive back Kevin Walsh got the interception.
Beneventi shook off the fluke and scored on the next possession with a 15-yard reception to Nick McTarnaghan. After the defense halted a fourth-and-1 for Andrew early in the second quarter, the Redwings scored on a 3-yard run by back Jack Crain to give them a 14-3 lead.
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On the final play of the first half, Beneventi was hit from behind and the ball came loose. Andrew lineman Nick Supple picked the ball up and ran for what appeared to be an easy score. He was stopped at the 1-yard line, however, stopping what could have been a game-changing play.
The Redwings widened their lead early in the fourth on a 23-yard field goal by John Duvic to give them a 17-3 lead. The T-Bolts responded on their next play from scrimmage with an 81-yard touchdown by running back Jarvion Franklin to cut the lead in half to 17-10.
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Beneventi responded with a long drive that ate precious minutes off the clock and capped it off with an 8-yard pass to receiver Nick Surges to give the Redwings a 24-10 lead and.
Patch’s MVP: Jack Beneventi, Benet. After an early interception, he carried the offense on some crucial drives in the second quarter and especially the fourth, holding off potential Andrew rallies. He went 26-of-36 passing for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
Benet Stat Pack: Receiver Jack Euritt had six receptions for 71 yards. Running back Nick McTarnaghan had nine carries for 27 yards and two receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown.
Andrew Stat Pack: Running back Jarvion Franklin had 13 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Dennis Vilimek had four receptions for 57 yards.
Quotable I: Benet coach Patrick New: “These guys are at the point now where they know if they lose, they go home. And they fought real hard.”
Quotable II: Andrew coach James Malec on the season: “We got nothing to be ashamed of. They’re great kids. They got something to be real proud of this year.”
Team Records: Andrew finishes the season at 6-4 overall. Benet improves to 9-1.
What’s Next: Andrew’s season is over. Benet will host Oswego next week in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
Scores of Interest: Oswego defeated Plainfield North 28-21. No. 8 seed Downers Grove North shocked No. 1 Batavia in a 38-26 victory. For more scores, go to IHSA scorezeone
