By Bobby Narang
Montini High School head football coach Mike Bukovsky breathed a small sign of relief Friday when discussing his team’s upcoming schedule.
After the Broncos suffered a 28-7 defeat to Notre Dame in CCL/ESCC (Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference) Green Division in Niles, Bukovsky talked about his team’s remaining schedule. The Broncos, 4-2 and 1-1, will close out the regular season against St. Joseph, 1-5, De La Salle, 3-3, and Providence Catholic, 4-2.
Considering the Broncos have played Mt. Carmel, 6-0, St. Rita, 3-3, St. Viator, 4-2, and Notre Dame, 6-0, the back part of the schedule is somewhat of a relief for a team dealing with several injuries.
“We’ve had four tough ones in a row and it’s not easy,” Bukovsky said. “We have to regroup, get healthy, and coming into a little different part of our schedule that will be a good thing. We have to make sure we don’t have a letdown and turn it around this week and play good football.”
The Broncos missed quarterback Deontay Bell for the second half. Without the explosive Bell, the Broncos didn’t score in the final two quarters and finished with 66 yards rushing. Bell rushed for 673 yards and five touchdowns in the first five games.
Wide receiver Nate Muersch had one of the few highlights for the Broncos when he leaped over the head of a Notre Dame defensive back to haul in a 40-yard touchdown reception from Bell in the first half.
“(Bell) was injured coming into the game,” Bukovsky said. “It was an existing injury. He went as long as he could. From the first play, he didn’t have it and went as long as he could. When he went out of the game, it was difficult for us to come back. We have to execute better. Our offense did a poor job trying to compensate for that (absence).”
Meanwhile, Notre Dame remained unbeaten thanks to a stingy and athletic defense and a strong running game. Julian Schurr ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns and linebacker Anthony Ranallo made nine tackles.
“The defense played great throughout the game and throughout the season,” Notre Dame head coach Michael Hennessey said. “We got fast and tough kids and we’re playing really good and smart football…the kids executed. We’ve come a long way.”