Oliver mesmerizes as Hubbard blanks Friars

Playing where Devin Hester has transformed the return into a work of art, Emery Oliver performed both tribute and favorable impression.

The 5-11 Hubbard senior scored two spectacular touchdowns in the third quarter to propel the Greyhounds past Fenwick 27-0 at Soldier Field Sunday.

The Hubbard victory overshadowed a moving halftime ceremony in which Fenwick retired the No. 34 jersey of John Lattner, the 1953 Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame.

“To go to the Downtown Athletic Club (in New York City) was special, but to have this tribute today with my wife, my family and my grandchildren was very important and memorable,” Lattner said.

After Hubbard forced a Fenwick punt on the opening possession of the third quarter, Oliver formed behind a wall of blockers and broke down the left sideline for a 45-yard touchdown.

“The coaches told me at halftime to step it up,” Oliver said. “I got the ball clean and I saw my blockers--and I just ran.”

On the Greyhounds’ ensuing possession, Oliver lined up at quarterback and perfectly executed the option in cutting against the grain for a memorable 30-yard touchdown run for a commanding 20-0 Hubbard lead.

Junior running back Triviyon Seay (97 total yards) accounted for the Greyhounds’ other scores, a five-yard run that pushed Hubbard out to a 6-0 halftime lead and a 13-yard touchdown reception from William Taylor in the fourth quarter.

The Greyounds’ dominant defense forced a turnover, blocked a punt and limited Fenwick to 93 yards’ total offense.

Hubbard recorded six tackles for losses and forced the Friars into six three-and-outs.

Fenwick senior running back Colin Tovin finished with 49 yards in 17 carries.

“They’re a big, quick and athletic team,” said Fenwick coach Joe DiCanio. “It’s a typical Hubbard squad that looks just as good as they were last year.”