Oct. 31--The big losses, repeated defensive stops and long stretches without anyone crossing the goal line were nothing like what has happened in any game Marist has played all season.
But if balance and versatility are what matter in the postseason, the RedHawks may stick around for a while.
Brendan Skalitzky threw two touchdown passes, the RedHawks defense had six sacks and sophomore Tom Gillen kicked a 25-yard field goal with 35 seconds left to lift Marist past Notre Dame 17-14 in a Class 8A first-round game Friday night in Niles.
Marist (6-4) handed Notre Dame (8-2) its only regular-season defeat, a 49-42 shootout on Sept. 18.
"Our defense played one of the best games of the year," Skalitzky said. "It was fun to watch. I had faith in them the whole time; I knew they'd have our backs. They've definitely gotten better. They figured it out and played unbelievable tonight."
Skalitzky (21-for-32, 255 yards) put up typically big numbers, but the RedHawks scored seven points through three quarters before he connected with Darshon McCullough on a 49-yard touchdown that tied the score 14-14 early in the fourth.
After Skalitzky got Marist in position for the winning score in the final two minutes, Marist coach Pat Dunne decided to put the game on his kicker's right foot.
The RedHawks forced Notre Dame to use all its timeouts, and the Dons helped Gillen's cause by declining a penalty that would have given Marist third and goal from the 18.
Instead, Gillen drilled the winning field goal.
"I kind of figured it out," Gillen said. "I knew they were going to me unless they scored a touchdown. They believed in me and it was a good snap, a good hold and everyone blocked well."
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Brendan Skalitzky, Marist, 21-for-32 passing, 255 yards, 2 TDs; 10 carries, 44 yards.
Key performers: Marist -- Darshon McCullough, 9 receptions, 95 yards, TD; Liam Keffer, 8 receptions, 102 yards, TD; Tom Gillen, winning 25-yard FG. Notre Dame -- Tyler Tsagalis, 19-for-33 passing, 257 yards, 2 TDs; 15 carries, 121 yards.
