Rock-solid St. Rita takes down Mount Carmel

St. Rita junior George Western knew how massive Friday’s game against rival Mount Carmel was. The stands were packed, the live television crew was on hand. Western was ready to do some damage on the defensive line, but he never fathomed taking the star turn that developed in the third quarter.

Western scooped up a Mount Carmel fumble and then scampered 26 yards for a touchdown, it was the score that put the game out of reach.

“I blacked out at first,” Western said. “Then I saw the end zone and realized I was really doing this. It felt like a dream. I’ve played a little full back so I know how to run a little bit.

The Mustangs beat the Caravan 38-21. Western’s score made it 35-14 and effectively ended Mount Carmel’s comeback hopes.

“We knew it was going to be a great atmosphere, a lot of people here,” St. Rita quarterback Jake Zylman said. “This rivalry is the best in the state. This game was big.”

Zylman was rock solid. He finished 12-for-17 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns. The senior rushed 14 times for 83 yards and one touchdown.

“Jake was the man tonight, he had a really great game,” St. Rita’s Chris Childers said. “I’m really proud of the way he played and the way the offensive line played.”

Childers was a workhorse with 16 carries for 90 yards and four receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown.

“Our offense worked fast,” Zylman said. “We try to score fast but it’s ok if we have longer drives. Big credit to the offensive line, they worked their butts off all over the field. All our weapons were clicking.”

Both teams scored on run-heavy first drives.

“I knew it was going to be a rough game,” Childers said. “The first drive always sets the tone. We needed to pick the defense up after the first touchdown and that’s exactly what we did. That was one of the best first drives we’ve ever had.”

The Mustangs (4-1, 1-1) moved the ball more effectively in the first half, but Mount Carmel’s Kyle Davis had the big play of the game with an 85-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Zylman found Childers for a 24-yard touchdown pass to put St. Rita ahead 21-14 at the half.

St. Rita has beaten St. Patrick, St. Laurence and Rich Central this season. The Mustangs only loss was to Providence.

“We want to get back on track to winning the conference,” St. Rita receiver Dave Gleaves said.” We’re back in the race now.”

Mount Carmel shut out Taft, Lane and DePaul in blowout wins earlier this season. The Caravan lost 31-7 at Loyola. That was all without senior Alek Thomas, their best player.

Thomas helped the U-18 Team USA win a gold medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation World Cup in Canada earlier this month. Thomas, a lefty center fielder, is committed to TCU for baseball and football. He’s expected to be picked in the first three rounds of the MLB draft in June.

Thomas had 20 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns. The Caravan (3-2, 0-2) didn’t complete a pass until early in the fourth quarter.

PHOTO GALLERY (click to enlarge)

St. Rita’s Jake Stefansik (81) puts a move on Mount Carmel’s defense September 22, 2017 Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

St. Rita’s Lewis Cox makes a tackle on Mount Carmel’s Demetrius Rias (22). Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

St. Rita quarterback Jake Zylman (8) passes against Mount Carmel. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Ross Valenti (46) watches St. Rita’s quarterback. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Ben Lenti (35) runs out of the backfield against St. Rita. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

St. Rita’s Hayden Ekern (8) trips up Mount Carmel’s Ben Lenti (35). Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Kyle Davis (25) breaks away for a touchdown. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Alek Thomas (27) fakes a hand-off and gets a first down against St. Rita. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Alek Thomas (27) steps back for a pass against St. Rita. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

St. Rita’s quarterback Jake Zylman (8) runs for a short gain against. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s Alek Thomas (27) fakes a hand-off and gets a first down. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Alek Thomas (27) of Mount Carmel comes out of the backfield against St. Rita. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

Mount Carmel’s McLean Milavivkas brings down St. Rita’s Justin Bivens (7). Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.