Brennan, Kos carry load for Carmel

Updated: September 7, 2011 2:47PM

Carmel began its home opener against Nazareth as if it were still dazed by its stunning loss to Joliet Catholic in the final seconds last week.

The Corsairs opened the game with five empty possessions, including two lost fumbles. Fortunately, Brian Brennan found his stride.

The Carmel senior quarterback jolted the Corsairs from their slumber as his deft running keyed the
No. 10 Corsairs’ 27-3 victory Friday in Mundelein.

“I just love running the football,” Brennan said. “Defenses focus on our fullback [Jordan Kos] and that opens up a lot of holes for me.”

He rushed for 147 yards on 17 carries. His 1-yard score capped a nine-play, 90-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter.

Despite not registering a first down in the first half, Nazareth (1-1, 1-1 East Suburban Catholic) took a 3-0 lead on Matthew Ramsey’s 42-yard field goal set up by linebacker Thomas Gray’s fumble recovery.

That was the high point of the night for the Roadrunners. Carmel (1-1, 1-1) ran twice as many plays (35-17) from scrimmage in the first half.

“Our defense really picked up the slack for us at the start tonight,“ Brennan said. “The fumbles at the start were kind of a fluke.”

Kos scored two touchdowns and rushed for 127 yards on 24 carries. He carried the ball five times for 60 yards on a seven-play, 63-yard drive to start the second half. His final touchdown, a two-yard plunge, was set up by linebacker Tyler Lees’ 51-yard interception return.

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