Harvard Problems Continue

It was a defensive lineman’s dream: The quarterback’s pass was tipped straight up and Chaminade’s Brian Consiglio scrambled to get under the ball.

“I could see the ball in the air, but with my shoulder pads, I can’t raise my arms up. And my hands are taped,” Consiglio said. “I was just hoping the ball would fall into my hands.”

It did, and Consiglio chugged 20 yards into the end zone for a touchdown, exemplifying the way things went Friday afternoon for Chaminade in its Santa Fe League opener at Harvard. Everything fell just right for the Eagles, who found numerous ways to score in routing Harvard, 46-7.

The one-sided game provided answers for two teams with a lot of question marks. For the second week in a row, Chaminade showed a penchant for offensive versatility. Playing without running back Tim Lavin--who sprained his knee against Calabasas last week--Chaminade’s less-heralded players picked up the slack.

Quarterback Dave Morrison completed 5 of 13 passes for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back John Hreno gained 95 yards on 17 carries. And wide receiver-kicker Chris Noonan scored 20 points on 2 touchdowns, 1 field goal and 5 conversion kicks.

Chaminade (2-2) has won two straight and looks to be on its way up.

“We have to keep getting better each week,” Chaminade Coach Rich Lawson said. “But if we can just keep our offense like that, we’ll be fine.”

Harvard, which has won three consecutive league titles, might be in for a long season. The Saracens remain winless after four games with no answers in sight. Not even the adoption of the single-wing offense has helped the inexperienced Saracens.

“We’re depending on our young kids, and they’re taking a while to find out what varsity football is all about,” Harvard Coach Gary Thran said.

Harvard running back Marty Holly, who played three quarters despite a leg injury, provided only 42 yards in total offense. He completed 3 of 7 passes for 36 yards and gained 6 yards on 11 carries. Replacement Timothy Naud fared only slightly better, gaining 39 yards on 11 carries and completing 4 of 11 passes for 44 yards.

Harvard turned the ball over twice, both of which led to Eagle scores.

The Saracens scored on their first possession but never threatened again. Harvard was penalized eight times for 47 yards.