Buffalo Grove blows by Mundelein

A trio of defensive touchdowns sparked host Buffalo Grove to a 41-7 victory Friday over Mundelein in the 2010 season opener.

The Bison built a 41-0 lead by halftime. A big catalyst were the defensive touchdowns authored by Richie Zirngibl (35-yard interception return), Dan Recht (26-yard fumble return) and Joe Damisch (six-yard fumble return).

"We practice that," said Damisch of trying to take a turnover to the end zone. "We always work on picking up the ball and running with it. We're trying to force turnovers and turn them into big plays."

Buffalo Grove quarterback Brian Garrity was sharp all night. He completed 3 of 8 passes for 56 yards, including a 20-yard TD pass to Brian Akialis. Garrity added a pair of rushing touchdowns (nine and two yards), while accumulating 55 yards on the ground in 12 carries.

Mundelein averted the shutout when Ryan VanderPloeg fired a 62-yard touchdown pass to Dave Collins late in the fourth quarter.

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