St Ignatius High School - Ignatian Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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Time out caused by a mixup in the line gives Kevin McDermott time to dicuss strategy with Head Coach Mr Nemec Ed's substitute quarterback gets just as much abuse as the starter as he tries to escape the grasp ol Jim Lanmng. 1973 VARSITY FOOTBALL RECORD Ignatius Opponents 20 Parma 19 13 St. Ed s 14 28 Latin 0 14 Holy Namo 0 53 West Tech 0 48 Rhodes 3 14 Marshall 12 27 South 0 36 Lincoln-West 0 •34 Won 9 East High 0 Lost 1 •City Championship Culver’s Brillance Helps Save Cats BSSC63 As the September sun set on Byers field, the 1973 BKmB Wildcat Varsity Football team saw the dawn of its season in a 20-19 victory over Parma's Red men. The Wildcats moved out to an early lead in what proved to be a sec-$aw coniest as Kevin McDermott connected on a three yard pass to end Brad Petrus. But the Redmen quickly struck back as the Cats' deep pass defenders were burned on a long touchdown and Parma gained a 7-6 half-time advantage. The Cats' offense came out determined to score after the intermission and drove the length of the field for a score culminated by Dave Dillemuth's II yard run. But again Parma rallied for two drives. Tim McGurr's critical interception inside the 15 stopped one drive, but another Parma bomb produced a touchdown and a 13-12 lead. Midway through the final frame. Tim Culver showed the brillance that helped him to a record yearby dashing 63 yards for a score. Kevin McDermott's pass to Petrus gave the cats a 20-13 lead. Then, in the final minutes. Parma completed several crucial passes and with 1:12 left they scored. However. Parma's upset was flaunted by Rick Kray’s interception of the two point conversion attempt. After the heartbreaker to Ed’s the Cats rebounded by trouncing I.atin 28-0 at Cleveland Heights High. The game was marked by a sparking Ignatius defense and an offense which functioned efficiently in the mud. Roger Andrachik opened the scoring with a sixteen yard touchdown burst. Culver, who returned an intercepted pass 40 yards and rushed for 166 yards scored on two short pluges. Jeff Tasse saw action and scored the final TD. 30

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“Can Play With Anybody” Carrying the West Senate Trophy given tor his grueling line play throughout the season. Tri-captain Thom Abood strolls into the crowd Preparing tor the most important game ol the season the varsity Wildcats plan a last minute psycho-up tor St. Ed's. club, yet wc were controlling the ball at the end. I think that says something about our ball players.” The Cats fought back with wins over Latin and West Tech, but then slumped to their season low by almost being upset by John Marshall. “We dived in the midseason.” said Mr. Nemec. “the Marshall game woke us up. and wc were able to peak again at the end of the year.” Along with the fine team effort, several individuals were honored. Six players. Roger Andrachik. Tim Culver. Rick Kray. Bud Owens. Thom Abood and Brad Petrus were voted to the All-West Senate Team. Andrachik. Abood. and Culver were voted All-State: in addition. Roger received the Lou Groza award from the Cleveland Touchdown Club. Mr. Nemec was named Coach of the Year.” Add to this list the names of Jim McDonnell. Kevin McDermott, and Greg Johnson, who barely missed All-West Senate honors, and it becomes apparent just how good this team and this class of '74 was. Several Juniors performed well and lend a hopeful glow to next season. Scott Kumf. Dave Dillcmuth. Jim McMahon, and Tom Dowd were regulars and should be the leaders of next year's squad.Thc first sophomore to make the squad in two years. Bob Petrus, will be the man to fill the shoes of Roger Andrachik. 29

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There was a certain £ feeling, an intangible perception of optimism before the football game on September 21. We simply were not going to lose this year. This was to be the game when the Wildcats once and for all establish themselves as number one. This was the Ed's game and this is what Wildcats Football '73 was all about. The Cats took the opening kickoff and immcdiatly began to move downfield. But a fumble inside the thirty-five broke the back of what appeared to be a touchdown drive. Then, on their first offensive play. Ed's halfback Steve Schmitz took a pass and blazed 63 yards for a 6-0 lead. A stunned Ignatius crowd was put somewhat at ease when the Cats mounted a second quarter scoring drive to take a one point lead. However, the Eagles scored again on a pass before the intermission, and made good on a two point conversion to take a 14-7 lead. The third quarter was scoreless as the Wildcat defense was able to stave off Eagle drives. Then in the fourth quarter the Wildcats offense awakened and drove for a touchdown, making the score 14-13. Kevin McDermott rolled out on the two point conversion attempt, missed spotting a wide open receiver, and threw’ a pass for Dave Dillmuth which was knocked down. The Cats did not give up. however. With seven minutes left. Tim McGurr picked up an apparent fumble. But the officials called the ball dead. Films of the game call it otherwise. The Cats' defense held, however, and the team regained the ball on their own 35. Crisp blocking led Tim Culver down the left side line in huge chunks as the Cats moved inside the five with time running out. But on third and short yardage. Mr. Nemec called for Culver to sweep to the right side which lost six yards. On the fourth down play. Kevin McDermott passed to Rick Kray who made an incredible reception and ran for what appeared to be a first down. As Wildcat fans celebrated, the officials called Kray's gain short. Aftor being taken out of the Ed's game for a caso of amnesia. Tri-Captain Thom Abood gazes onto the held not knowing what's going on. Wildcats Nailed By Phantom First Down Using the blocks sot by his offensive line, tailback Dave Dillemuth turns the end with Tim Culver in front for additional blocking. 31 V Vv