September 30, 2011
Lake Catholic 30, Benedictine 6
This time Benedictine could not overcome its slow start.
For the fifth time this season the Bengals found themselves fighting from behind, but unlike previous games, they could not pull out the victory.
Lake Catholic scored twice in the first quarter and then built a 23-0 halftime lead on its way to a 30-6 North Coast League victory at Bedford Bearcat Stadium that was televised by Sports Time Ohio on a tape-delay basis.
Both Benedictine and Lake Catholic now have an identical 1-1 record in the NCL and a 5-1 overall mark.
The Cougars quarterback Mark Baniewicz scored the first two touchdowns on short drives to give Lake Catholic a quick 13-0 lead. Evan Gormley, who hurt the Bengals all night, kicked the first extra point but missed the second on these touchdowns.
Then he scored the remaining points for Lake Catholic on a 24-yard field goal and on touchdown runs of 21 and 52 yards, as well as kicking a pair of extra points.
The Bengals avoided a shutout when senior back Bryan Lacey scored on a five-yard run to complete an eight-play, 75-yard drive in the fourth. The two-point run failed.
An opportunistic Lake Catholic squad, heavy rains, strong winds, and chilly temperatures all conspired to foil the Bengals. Some fans felt that the weather conditions were as bad as they had seen at a Bengals game in a decade.
Even with the loss, the Bengals can make a run for the state playoffs as well as playing a big role in the North Coast League race.
Prior to the game, Benedictine was second in the Division III, Region 9 computer standings while Lake Catholic was fourth.
When the updated state computer ratings are published later in the week, the Bengals should remain in a strong position for a playoff spot.
Lake has had a number of impressive wins this season including a pair of victories over Youngstown Catholic powerhouses Ursuline and Mooney.
Even with its first loss in the North Coast League game, Benedictine is a factor in the title race. Pre-season favorite Walsh Jesuit and NDCL remain undefeated, while Benedictine and Lake Catholic each have one loss.
Benedictine will play Walsh and NDCL in back-to-back weeks, so the team can control its NCL destiny.
Benedictine plays its last regular season home game this week on Friday, October 7 when Padua Franciscan visits in another North Coast League game.
NOTES: Lake Catholic leads the all-time series 13-7 and has won the last four games.
The last time Benedictine lost a league game came on October 2, 1967, a 22-7 loss to Cleveland John F. Kennedy in an East Senate contest. The Bengals played 33 more Senate games from then compiling an incredible 32-0-1 record. From 1972 until 2010, the Bengals played an independent schedule. This is the first season for the Bengals in the North Coast League.
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Wally Mieskoski ’71
Benedictine Football Historian
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