Stutzman, Bears ground out win
For the Daily Herald
Visiting Montini used more quarterbacks than Lake Zurich on Friday night, but that was about the only offensive category in which it had an edge.
The Bears tied a program record for most first downs ( 28) in a game as their ground game was too much for Montini in a 28- 7 victory, avenging a 19- 7 loss last September.
As expected, Lake Zurich gave the ball to senior back Joey Stutzman ( 30 carries, 208 yards), and the 5- 7 back responded with three touchdowns.
“Our offensive line did great,’’ Stutzman said. “Everyone did a good job and we just wanted to finish the game.”
Lake Zurich ran off the first 21 points and held Montini ( 1- 1) without a first down in the first quarter.
Montini quarterback Nick Orlando’s first completion of the game was good for a 49- yard touchdown to Matt Quaglia just before halftime.
The third quarter featured miscues from both teams. The Bears ( 2- 0) were marching deep in Montini territory when a fumble derailed their plans. Montini’s ensuing drive resulted in a firstandgoal on the Lake Zurich 5, but the Broncos failed to scored after missing a short field goal attempt.
Stutzman’s third touchdown, a three- yard run, clinched the game in the fourth quarter.
Montini’s three quarterbacks finished a combined 8- for- 14 for 132 yards.
Lake Zurich quarterback Evan Lewandowski finished 15- for- 26 for 145 yards.
The Bears begin North Suburban Conference play next week by hostingWaukegan on Friday.
The Broncos open their Chicago Catholic Green schedule when they host Fenwick on Friday. For more suburban coverage, go to football. dailyherald. com.