Marmion’s Sean Scheck couldn’t give it up. Losing doesn’t sit well with him.
A senior lineman who plays both ways and also punts, Scheck found himself in an unfamiliar position Friday night, prowling the sideline as the Cadets’ reserves ran out the clock.
It didn’t stop the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Scheck from doing his best to stay in the game, encouraging fellow starters to encourage their teammates who were still on the field.
Besides, for Scheck there’s no love lost when it comes to Montini, especially after a 26-3 loss at home to the CCL/ESCC rivals. And especially from past memories.
“I had a bad experience wrestling them freshman year at the varsity level,” Scheck said. “I got my butt whupped.”
His dislike has grown ever since.
“It’s also the fact I have to hold my teammates responsible, even if the seconds are in,” Scheck said. “They cheer for us and we have to cheer for them.”
Experienced players like Scheck knew Friday’s game would not be a picnic, even if the Cadets (2-1) had outscored their first two opponents 97-0.
Montini (2-1), coming off a rare season below .500, plays a challenging schedule. It makes every game seem more urgent.
Marmion had a 150-135 edge in yards during the first half, but the Cadets trailed 12-3. The Broncos grinded out two scoring drives, highlighted by George Asay’s 24-yard touchdown run and his 50-yard run to set up another score.
The Cadets’ offensive output was limited to a John Schatteman’s 32-yard field goal midway through the second quarter. They were blanked 14-0 in the second half.
“You’re not going to win any games if you score three points,” Marmion coach Dan Thorpe said. “We had too many three-and-outs. It seemed like our defense was on the field all night.”
Big pass plays from Cole Teschner to Mingo Nixon, who finished with six catches for 102 yards, sparked Montini in the second half.
“Defensively, I don’t think we were handling the double team well,” Scheck said. “That’s why we got beat up a little bit by their running game. They were able to run up the middle on key plays.”
Senior running back Josh Lim, meanwhile, had 68 yards rushing and 60 receiving to lead Marmion. Senior quarterback Ryan Prell completed 11 of 24 passes for 114 yards and threw his first interception.
“They had real good coverage,” Lim said. “I think they were dropping eight people and only rushing three.
“I thought we could have run the ball more, but they have good, physical, tough defensive backs and linebackers. We need to get back at it in practice and work on small things.”
Scheck, who hopes to play at the next level but is fighting the perception game, feels he is viewed by Division I coaches as a bit too short.
“I prefer the defensive line, but I’ll play anywhere,” he said. “It’s really hard. Coach Thorpe talked to the NIU coach for me and felt I was just too short. It’s demoralizing.”
Still, he has some interest from San Diego, his school of choice.
“They said I did well at their camp and want to see how I do this season,” Scheck said. “I’m going to make a visit later in the season. They have the accounting major I want.
“Plus, it’s San Diego. You can’t beat the weather.”
In the meantime, he foresees plenty of sled work ahead for him and his fellow offensive linemen.
“Montini is always a hard-hitting team,” Scheck said. “Offensively, I don’t think we were getting off the ball. That’s why they were able to stop us on the inside.
“We just have to work on that.”
