PROVIDENCE 3 7 6 7 23
FENWICK 0 7 7 7 21
It would appear the Fenwick football team took a slight step backward on Friday night when the Friars were outlasted by Providence, a team previously winless in the Chicago Catholic (Blue) League, 23-21 in New Lenox, but numbers can be deceiving.
“I told the team that we need to look at it as if the glass is half full,” said Fenwick head coach Joe DiCanio. “In week seven of the season we were three points away from being undefeated in the Blue Division, and a lot of teams would be thankful to be where we are. I’d say Providence is the best team we’ve played thus far; their record does not indicate how good they are. We hung in there, and never gave up.”
Fenwick (5-2, 2-2), ranked 10th in the state going into the game, held a 14-10 lead in the third quarter before the Celtics (3-4, 1-3) rattled off 13 straight points for the victory.
Friars running back Dan Mega (9 carries, 89 yards, 2 TDs) scampered for a 5-yard touchdown and the Friars attempted an onside kick in the final seconds of the fourth to no avail.
Drew Abernathy’s game-winner for Providence came on a 4-yard touchdown run in the final quarter.
“Last year we weren’t expected to beat any of the big teams in the Blue, and now this year it’s different,” said DiCanio. “The players were mad and disappointed in the loss, and that’s a good thing. Hopefully it will act as motivation for our game against Loyola [this weekend].”
Fenwick’s cornerbacks, who also trade off as receivers on offense, toiled to stop Providence quarterback Brian Stroud, who tired the secondary by completing 15-of-26 passes for 344 yards.
“Providence found our weak spots,” said DiCanio. “They wore us out eventually. We need to do a better job shortening up the game.”
Fenwick took the lead in the second quarter when Brien Rooney hit Patrick Doyle for a 4-yard touchdown pass.
The Friars host Loyola Academy for Senior Day on Saturday (1:30 p.m.) at Morton West High School. The Ramblers (5-2, 2-2) are coming off a 35-14 loss to St. Rita, a team Fenwick upset 19-17 last month.
