St. Charles East shuts out Thornridge

After surrendering a season high 28 points in a loss to St. Charles North last week, the St. Charles East defense got back on track with a 39-0 thumping of Thornridge in a nonconference game Saturday afternoon in Dolton.

"This is a big step up from the past two weeks," St. Charles East senior defensive lineman David Mashal said. "We had to get back on the right foot and proceed from here."

Mashal punctuated the Saints defensive effort by sacking Thornridge quarterback Cory McCullough for a safety with 11:49 to play to give St. Charles (7-2) a 32-0 lead.

"That was sweet," Mashal said. "I've never had a safety before, so that was a good way to go out."

The Saints defense held Thornridge (1-8) to 57 total yards and forced two second half fumbles. Wes Allen had first quarter touchdown runs of 27 and 10 yards as the Saints jumped out to a 20-0 first quarter lead. Allen had 16 carries for 118 yards.

Sam Gunther (6-8, one interception for 75 yards) tossed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Matt Hammer in the first quarter and David Winn added a 30 yard field goal to extend the Saints lead to 23-0 at halftime.

Chris Caci had a three yard touchdown run and Pete Chacon (16 carries for 114 yards added a 37 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring. The shutout was the third of the season for the Saints.