Prep football: Fenwick fights off Badin 21-9 in GCL Coed opener

The Greater Catholic League Coed Division season began with a prep football rivalry matchup at Fenwick’s Krusling Field on Friday night.

The host Falcons defeated Badin 21-9 in front of a packed house, with Fenwick improving to 3-1 and the Rams falling to 2-2.

Senior quarterback Sully Janeck was 11-of-20 passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while Jack Fessler led the ground attack with 25 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown.

WEEK 4 FOOTBALL COVERAGE

“Offensively we did a really good job tonight against a defense that emphasizes not giving up big plays, so we knew we couldn’t get the big play and were methodical with it, ” Falcons coach Dan Haverkamp said. “But when you’re in that situation, it’s tough to finish the drives and find the end zone. I was happy with getting 21 points on them.”

Badin was outgained 265-250 in total yardage, but outrushed the Falcons 204-141. Zach Switzer was just 8-of-26 for 46 yards and three interceptions through the air. Davon Starks led the offense with 132 yards on 22 carries and the lone Ram touchdown.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game coming in against a good team,” Badin coach Nick Yordy said. “It was a battle from the start and a good GCL game. Our kids played hard, and I can’t fault them. We just made a few mistakes tonight, and you’re not going to be able to do that and win football games.”

The scoring got started midway through the first quarter after Falcons defender David Schuh intercepted a pass from Switzer in Badin territory. Fenwick went on a 10-play drive that ended with Fessler’s 5-yard TD run.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the second period; however, Badin kicker Luke VanSteenkiste missed a 29-yard field goal.

Logan Miller intercepted another Switzer pass late in the second quarter. With 0:49 remaining in the half, Janeck connected with R.J. Clesceri for an 18-yard touchdown that gave the hosts a 14-0 halftime lead.

Badin showed some resiliency in the third quarter and got on the scoreboard with an eight-play drive that ended on a 4-yard TD run by Starks.

Fenwick came back just two minutes later with its final touchdown of the evening as Janeck hooked up with Thomas Vogelsang for an 18-yard touchdown to push the margin to 21-7. The Badin defense came up with a safety late in the fourth quarter that brought the final score to 21-9.

The Falcons collected two more turnovers in the final frame. Henry Nenni had an interception and a fumble recovery off a Badin lateral that was dropped.

“The pass protection was great tonight. They gave me all the time in the world to throw,” Janeck said. “All of the receivers did a really good job getting yards after the catch. We need to do what we’re doing now against Alter next week. It’ll be a good game.”

Added Fessler, “I was a little slow in the beginning from not practicing last week, but I started getting into a groove and clicking at the end of the first half and into the second half. It felt like I was getting back from nursing the knee injury and felt really good to be back out there again. We are going to continue competing as brothers and have a good showing at Alter next week.”

Fenwick will face Alter at Centerville next Friday, while Badin visits Roger Bacon.

Badin 0-0-7-2—9

Fenwick 7-7-7-0—21

F: Jack Fessler 5 run (Matt Beckman kick)

F: R.J. Clesceri 18 pass from Sully Janeck (Beckman kick)

B: Davon Starks 4 run (Luke VanSteenkiste kick)

F: Thomas Vogelsang 18 pass from Janeck (Beckman kick)

B: Safety

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