Schools
Football: Providence Clinches Playoff Berth with Rout of St. Ignatius
Providence Catholic 54, St. Ignatius 6: Celtics erase memories of last year's tough season with big homecoming victory over Wolfpack, as Andrew Hoffmeister and Chris Salazar deliver huge performances.
Breaking It Down: qualified for the playoffs, winning its first Chicago Catholic Blue game of the season during Friday night’s homecoming festivities. The Celtics rolled to a 54-6 rout of St. Ignatius, which has now surrendered 123 points in its past two losses. The Celtics scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage on a 48-yard touchdown run by Andrew Hoffmeister, the first of his three touchdown runs on the evening. The Celtics had their offense clicking all night, taking a 33-6 lead at halftime and inducing the running clock midway through the third quarter.
Patch's MVP: Providence's Andrew Hoffmeister rushed for 141 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns.
St. Ignatius Stat Pack: Quarterback Jack Miya was 13-of-27 passing for 93 yards. Running back George Doherty collected 30 rushing yards on 12 carries. Matt McCareins had five catches, including one for a TD, and finished with 37 receiving yards.
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Providence Stat Pack: In addition to Hoffmeister’s big night, quarterback Chris Salazar was 4-of-6 passing for 137 yards. Salazar threw three touchdown passes and also ran for a score. Chad Weaver had two touchdown receptions for 62 yards, and Sean Fitzgerald caught a pair of passes for 75 yards.
Quotable I: Providence coach Mark Coglianese on the quick start: "It was huge for us. The offensive line did a great job and every time (Andrew) Hoffmeister and (Brandon) Price got the ball, they were breaking long runs and that's what we needed to do tonight."
Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Quotable II: Providence offensive lineman Ryan Ward on qualifying for the playoffs: "It's a great feeling especially after last year with that whole upsetting year. I can't really put it into words right now."
Team Records: Providence improved to 5-3 overall and 1-3 in the Chicago Catholic Blue. St. Ignatius fell to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in the Chicago Catholic Blue.
What's Next: Providence finishes its regular season with the daunting task of facing Mount Carmel on the road next Friday, while St. Ignatius will play host to Gordon Tech at noon next Saturday.
Check back soon for photos from this game.
