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9/10/06-Football
Cruise Control
St. Mary's shuts out Toledo St. Francis; has outscored opponents 97-25 in three games
By JAKE SHARFMAN
Special to The Oakland Press
ORCHARD LAKE - It was just another day at the office for Orchard Lake St. Mary's Saturday afternoon.
After an hour weather delay, the Eaglets were able to take care of Toledo St. Francis de Sales, 28-0, at St. Mary's High School.
St. Mary's (3-0) continues to display great team defense, and strong consistency in the balance of their offense.
Senior running back Chris Mitchell led the Eaglets offense throughout the afternoon, rushing for 154 yards on only 12 carries and finding the end zone one time.
"Our running game continues to get better and better," Eaglet head coach George Porritt said. "Our backs are running hard, and I'm very pleased with the way our offensive line had been playing."
Mitchell was the first in the game to find the end zone when he broke a 29-yard touchdown run with just under four minutes left in the first quarter. The run capped off a 10-play, 65-yard drive on the Eaglets second possession of the game.
On the next play from scrimmage, Eaglets quarterback/defensive back Justin Siller intercepted St. Francis quarterback Matt Meinert to give the ball back to the Eaglets. Siller then led the offense on the field for two plays before running back Blair Hollis scored the Eaglets second touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Siller threw for 100 yards on 6-for-11 passing with a touchdown and intercepted two passes on defense.
"He's our key player that we all look up to on this team," Mitchell said of Siller. "Whatever he does on the field, we all follow because we have that much trust in him."
After a 30-yard connection with receiver Taurian Washington, Siller hooked up with teammate Dionte Allen on a 12-yard strike to put St. Mary's up 21-0, putting the game out of reach for St. Francis.
The Eaglets' defense continues to shine and dominate the opposition this season. St. Mary's has given up only seven points in the last two games.
In the first three games of the season, the Eaglets have outscored their opponents 97-25.
"We have great speed on the defensive side of the ball that really works to our advantage," Porritt added.
"Coming in this season, we knew our defense would be very solid and it has not let us down yet."
Three of St. Mary's top players on offense play both ways on the defensive side of the ball as well.
"I don't mind playing defense at all," Siller added. "Anything to help our team win football games."
St. Mary's will next travel to Ford Field on Saturday where they will take on Dearborn Divine Child in Catholic League play.
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