SAN FRANCISCO - With both teams fresh off significant wins against cross-town rivals, Bellarmine visited St. Ignatius Saturday in an important matchup with Central Coast Section playoff implications. And despite early threats from the SI offense, Bellarmine managed to keep the Wildcats at bay, winning 23-10.
The Bells defense led from the front, taking multiple potential scores off the SI tally and paving the way to short fields for their offense. Following threatening drives from the SI offense, the Bells defense tightened the screws in the second quarter.
“Our defense played great, having those turnovers was incredible,” said Bellarmine head coach Jalal Beauchman, “We’ve really improved over the season, and it showed today with our performance.”
Interceptions from seniors Gino Cresci and Daelon Buenrostro turned a close-fought 7-3 game into a dominant 20-3 lead for Bellarmine (7-3, 4-3 WCAL) heading into halftime. The constant pressure of quarterback Aiden Smith by defensive linemen Dean Lally and Bennett Anderson ensured the Wildcat offense was not able to find its rhythm. The Bellarmine defense was aided by its special teams, blocking a 35-yard field goal attempt on SI’s opening drive, and pressuring another missed field goal to open the fourth quarter.
“We were in position to win the game,” said SI head coach John Regalia. “We had our opportunities that we did not capitalize on, and we did enough to lose the game.”
The game was closer than the final scored indicated, as a few costly mistakes by the Wildcats (4-6, 2-5) tipped the result in the Bells' favor.
Early in the first quarter, following an interception from Ben Boyden that gifted St. Ignatius a short field, the 'Cats stormed inside the Bellarmine 5-yard line. Rushing attempts by running backs Ronan Greene and Keith Reyes took the ball down to the one-yard line, but a mishandled snap resulted in a fumble recovered by the Bellarmine defense.
However, led by the receiving duo of Shane Crispen (7 rec, 72 yds) and Ryan Ivers (5 rec, 59 yds), the Wildcats were able to bounce back with a seven-minute drive resulting in a field goal.
“There was a lack of execution today,” said Regalia. “We had moments of brilliance, but we have to improve, especially at this time of the season.”
It was a relatively quiet day for the SI offense, as Smith was limited to just a 55 percent completion rate, 189 yards passing and a touchdown. The lone Wildcat touchdown came early in the second half, with a brilliant play by Smith throwing across his body to an open Oliver Stuart in the end zone. Making highlights yet again was Charlie Pyfer, as he hauled both of his targets for 55 yards, setting up both Wildcat scores.
The Bells established their run game early, and never looked back. Running back Ben Pfaff led the way, recording 76 yards on 20 carries, including a one-yard score. The Wildcats were forced to turn their attention to the run, taking the pressure off Bellarmine quarterback Nate Escalada, who completed 13 of 21 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, as well as adding 38 yards with his legs. He was able to connect with wide receiver Chris Jaeb for 55 yards and a touchdown.
“Every game we try to establish our run game,” said Beauchman, “Today was no different. Looking back, we did a pretty good job running the football today, and it really opened up our pass game.”
With a Valley Christian victory over Archbishop Riordan, both teams qualified for the playoffs. No. 3 Bellarmine will take on the undefeated No. 6 Los Gatos this Friday in a Division 1 matchup. Meanwhile in Division 2, No. 7 St. Ignatius will make the trip down to Salinas for a matchup with the No. 2 Palma.
