Mustangs push winning streak to four games

By Bernie Puchalski - October 18, 2019

Chris Bianco couldn’t have asked for a better start to his season with the Saint Michael Mustangs senior football team.

On his first play of the season on defence Friday, the Grade 12 student intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. The Mustangs would go on to record a 28-0 victory over the Holy Cross Raiders in Niagara Catholic Athletic Association action.

“That was remarkable,” Saint Michael coach Keith Bomberry said. “He has worked hard all year and he has run into some bad luck at practice with a couple of nagging injuries.

“He found himself not dressing for a game and when he stepped on the field, we were so elated he made that play.”

Saint Mike’s is hoping for more of the same from Bianco.

“Stepping up like that definitely bodes well for his playing time,” Bomberry said.

The 17-year-old was overjoyed with the pick.

“I’m not going to lie. I didn’t realize I had that much space until after I caught it. I just took off and I never ran so fast in my life.”

It was heaven when the six foot 195-pounder ran into the end zone.

“It was surreal,” he said. “I missed two years because I got sick last year and couldn’t play. In my first game back at senior and to be in the end zone on the second play of the game was amazing.”

Bianco missed last season with mono and then was unable to shake a lingering ankle injury until this week.

“It kept killing me and killing me and I finally worked my way back into the game,” he said.

Frustration was his constant companion.

“I have no idea how I got through it and it took a toll on me mentally,” he said. “I didn’t think I would get back but I have to give credit to my teammates and coaches because they helped me along the way and kept encouraging me.”

Saint Michael put in a workmanlike effort Friday to record the victory.

“It took a half to get organized but we executed better in the second half,” Bomberry said. “I give credit to Holy Cross for putting up a fight and they forced a couple of turnovers.”

Saint Mike’s was much better in the second half.

“Our guys executed, Jared Schlueter had several nice passing plays and Jomer Mateo ran the ball extremely well and broke several tackles,” Bomberry said.

The Mustangs (4-2) will enjoy their bye week next week and head into the playoffs on a four-game winning streak.

“It’s special. We haven’t done that in some time here at St. Mike’s so guys are excited about that,” Bomberry said. “Going into our bye week, the guys have to remain focused and get ready for our next opponent.”

Bianco likes how the Mustangs are coming together.

“We got crushed in the first two games (Notre Dame and Saint Paul) so it was great to fight back from that,” he said. “Most teams would give up and quit but these guys are fighters.”

Holy Cross head coach Gerry DiSanto wasn’t happy with the play of his team Friday.

“Our kids weren’t into the game right from the beginning,” he said. “We came out flat and it showed on the scoreboard.”

Holy Cross fell to 1-4 in NCAA play with the loss and will conclude its season next week against Saint Paul (4-1).

“We want to build off of what we have done this year and move on to next year,” DiSanto said. “The kids keep coming out, we keep putting forth an effort and they work hard for us.”

STATS PACK

Mustangs 28 Raiders 0

Johnny Rocco’s/Mick and Angelo’s/Cracker Jacks Player of the Game: Saint Michael’s Jomer Mateo with a 70-yard TD run and a 32-yard TD reception from Jared Schlueter.

For the Saint Michael Mustangs: Mateo, two TDs; Chris Bianco with a 35-yard interception return for a major; Noah Wilson with a 31-yard TD pass from Schlueter; Gabe Hetherington and Connor Ellwood with fumble recoveries; and, Neo Cruz and Devon Harper with interceptions.

For the Holy Cross Raiders: Zach Bechard with a fumble recovery and Jonathan Unrau with an interception at the Holy Cross two-yard line.