Benet has new energy

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:20PM

Life is good, so far, for the Benet Academy football program.

Off to a 2-0 start for the first time in 13 years, Benet plays host to Marian Catholic Friday in Lisle hoping to maintain the good vibes first-year coach Pat New has brought to the Redwings.

"There's a lot more intensity, a lot more energy," senior linebacker Alex Sadauskas said. "We have challenger segments (in practice), which is just full intensity both offense and defense. (There's) a lot of more enthusiasm on the team and it looks like we can have a good year this year."

Absent from the postseason since winning six games in 2006, the Redwings have scored 67 points in their two victories after scoring only 27 points in their first two games last year.

In addition, after only reaching the 30-point mark once in 2009, they've scored at least 30 points in both games.

After going 14 of 19 for 150 yards passing with two TDs in his varsity debut a week earlier against Oswego East, Nick Mankowski kept up his solid play in last Friday's 33-21 road victory over Marian Central Catholic.

The junior signal caller hooked up with senior wide receiver Connor Nelligan twice for touchdowns and ran for a 15-yard score of his own in the third quarter to complete Benet's scoring.

Neuqua Valley's Snyder on roll to start season

With the graduation of dual-threat quarterback Joe Ippolito, who led the team in rushing in 2009, Neuqua Valley was looking for someone to step up in the running game.

With the first two weeks of the season in the books, consider it done.

Senior Trent Snyder, who ran for 222 yards last year, has hit the ground running for the Wildcats, pun intended.

In two games against both Naperville schools, Snyder has racked up 368 yards and five touchdowns, including rushing for a career-high 224 yards in Neuqua's 20-18 victory over Naperville Central last Friday.

"I just continue to do my job. I've got to give credit to my offensive line and wide receivers once again," Snyder said. "They continually give me the blocking outside that I need and in the inside. (Heck) of a job up front on the outside."

His performance against the Redhawks puts him fourth all-time on the school's single-game rushing list behind the likes of Anton Wilkins, Bryen Johnson and Mike Genslinger.

Neuqua next goes on the road to play St. Charles North on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Metea Valley prepares for Upstate Eight play

In a season that promises to be chalk full of firsts, Metea Valley travels to East Aurora Friday for its first-ever foray into Upstate Eight Conference play.

The Mustangs' offense struggled in a 17-7 loss at Quincy and will be looking to rebound against the Tomcats.

After throwing for 301 yards against Plainfield East, junior quarterback Jarrett House completed went 4 of 12 for 16 yards and was intercepted three times.

The Upstate Eight is divided into two leagues now with Metea Valley and East Aurora competing in the Upstate Eight Valley with Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley, Bartlett, South Elgin, and Lake Park.

Elgin, Larkin, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles East, St. Charles North and Streamwood compete in the Upstate Eight River Conference.

Prep Football Notebook

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