Carmel cruises behind Kos

Updated: October 7, 2011 11:50PM

In a game dominated by big numbers, the largest digits belonged to Jordan Kos.

The Carmel fullback exploded for 226 yards on 19 carries in Friday’s battle against visiting St. Viator. Kos collected a career-high five rushing touchdowns to lead the Corsairs to a 51-32 victory.

“Jordan has great balance, and he has strong legs,” said Carmel coach Andy Bitto, whose team improved to 5-2 overall, 5-1 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. “This year, he’s running six inches lower. When he’s down at pad level, he’s breaking more tackles.”

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior scored on runs of 20, 33, 7, 37 and 22 yards. Kos was quick to deflect credit to the offensive line of Matt Crisp, Mike Dyer, Shane Toub, Jake Cochrane and Sean Terrett.

“I believe I have the best line in Lake County,” said Kos, who has 39 career touchdowns (6 shy of the school record). “They are big, physical linemen who overpower people.”

The final piece in the puzzle is Kos’ cutback ability in the open field.

“One play was designed to go to the right,” Bitto said. “He cut it to the left and scored a touchdown. You can’t teach that.”

Carmel quarterback Brian Brennan added a pair of touchdown passes in the second half. He lofted a 37-yard bomb to Matt Maher and then connected on an 11-yard toss to Michael Panico.

All of the offensive fireworks were necessary to turn back St. Viator (1-6, 0-6). The Lions rode the right arm of quarterback Mickey Macius, who completed 22 of 42 passes for 292 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. His favorite target was Kevin Hammarlund, who caught 10 balls for 115 yards with two touchdowns.

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