Six turnovers prove costly for Cadets

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AURORA -- Marmion Academy's season finale Friday night was delayed 90 minutes by lightning.

The Cadets were not rewarded for the wait as they committed six turnovers and were unable to stop the St. Edward ground attack in a 20-8 defeat played in a freezing downpour.

The game's tone was set early. Marmion's defense forced a punt on the Green Wave's initial possession, but Bobby Miles was unable to field the kick and Nathan Gaige recovered for St. Edward. The Wave then marched 57 yards and scored on a 14-yard Jimmy Mathisen run.

The Cadets (3-6, 1-3 Suburban Catholic Conference) fumbled again during their first possession and St. Edward (4-5, 2-5 SCC) recovered at midfield at the beginning of the second quarter.

The defensive units ruled the rest of the half as the Green Wave missed a 35-yard field goal attempt right before the intermission to hold the slim 7-0 advantage.

Marmion quarterback Ricky Bird bobbled a low snap to begin the second half and St. Edward again recovered. Four plays later, Moises Quiroga rumbled into the end zone from 25 yards away. Jordan Torres added his second PAT and the visitors led 14-0.

The Cadets' Juan Avila pounced on a Green Wave fumbled midway through the third, and Marmion came alive with a 76-yard drive to the St. Edward 6-yard line. Miles hauled in a 49-yard reception from Bird during the drive, and the Cadets seemed ready to capitalize before disaster struck.

St. Edward defensive back Adam Gilies picked off an errant Bird throw and raced 90 yards to the Cadet 5-yard line before being caught by Matt Pircon.

It was academic as Mathisen (21 carries for 154 yards) scored on the next play to put the Wave up 20-0.

Marmion linebacker Joe Weber finally got the Cadets on the board with an exciting fumble recovery which he returned 78 yards for Marmion's first points near the end of the third quarter.

Bird was sacked twice on the Cadets' next drive as they turned to the passing game in an effort to catch up. Marmion was forced to punt and St. Edward controlled the ball the rest of the way.

For the Game St. Edward rushed 55 times for 296 yards.

Marmion finished with 122 passing yards but netted only 30 yards on the ground.