Bonner Football Wins Shootout with Springfield

The lights were on for Saturday’s clash between Monsignor Bonner and Springfield. The strange part about that was that the game time was 2:30 pm. By 4:40, it was dark out, giving one the feeling that it was a night game. Lingering clouds from Friday’s rain overshadowed Springfield High School, which may have led to a low crowd turnout. It was Springfield’s last game of the year, and the second to last for the Friars. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they end their season on a sour note, losing in a rout by a score of 47-30. The game certainly wasn’t a defensive struggle. Both teams combined for 77 points, including 56 in the first half, and also combined for 853 total offensive yards.
The story of the game, as it has been all year long, was senior RB Eric Petransky. The second team All Catholic rushed for four touchdowns, totaling 226 yards. He would have had a fifth touchdown had it not been for a holding penalty called late in the fourth quarter. Petransky had two rushing touchdowns totaling more than 80 yards. His first was an 84 yard scamper. After losing a fumble, his next touch two drives later totaled 80 yards. All four of his touchdowns came in the first half. It was a very big day to say the least for the Bonner running back. Not to be outdone was junior QB Sean Quartarmen. He was 8-12 throwing for 2 touchdowns and 187 yards. He threw his touchdown passes to junior Jamie Juisti for a 41 yard score in the first half, and then with eight minutes left in the fourth to John McGillian. The second pass came on 3rd and 21 from midfield. Quartarman threw a bomb and McGillian was able to make an incredible catch in double coverage for the score. Senior captain Kyle Schuberth rushed for Bonner’s final score with 4:30 left in the game. The lone bright spot for Springfield was RB Matt Craig, who ran 159 yards and three touchdowns. The other Cougar score came on a pass from QB Wally Rutecki to Josh Cavanaugh late in the game.
The Bonner defense stepped up big in the second half, shutting down the Springfield attack. After yielding 22 first half points, the Friars wreaked havoc on the offense and were able to stop the Cougar no-huddle offense. Senior Mike Murphy had an interception on the day, and Sam Christie and Kenny Weyler made big plays on defense. The unit only yielded one touchdown in the second half, which came after the game was already in hand for the Friars.
The win improves the Friars overall record to 5-6. Meanwhile Springfield ends its year at 5-7. It’s hard to believe, but there is just one game remaining for Monsignor Bonner. That game will be a Thanksgiving Day meeting with Archbishop Carroll. The Patriots are coming off a loss in the Catholic League AA semifinals to Bishop McDevitt, losing 21-0. The final game will be played Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, at 10 am at Upper Darby High School. Don’t miss the last chance to see the 2009 Friar squad.