Fargas Executes Crucial Order for Notre Dame

The theme from “Mission Impossible,” as performed by the Chaminade High band Friday night at Notre Dame, was an appropriate selection.

There was no stopping Notre Dame or standout tailback Justin Fargas.

Fargas, the region’s leading rusher, set the tone with an 80-yard touchdown run on the game’s first play and Notre Dame went on to a 33-7 Mission League victory.

For Notre Dame (6-1, 2-0 in league), a fourth consecutive league championship might soon be a mission accomplished.

The Knights, who narrowly defeated Chaminade in the final week last season to win the league crown, out-gained Chaminade (3-3-1, 1-1), 386 yards to 222. Chaminade failed to score until Scott Carper hauled in a 23-yard pass from quarterback Ray Rodriguez with less than a minute to play.

“I didn’t feel we shut them down,” said Kevin Rooney, Notre Dame coach . “We came up with some big plays at some big times.”

Fargas rushed for 248 yards in 15 carries. Fargas, who also had a 57-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to close out the Knights’ scoring, has rushed for more than 200 yards in four games this season. He has 1,361 yards rushing this season.

“He is quite a player,” Rooney said.

Notre Dame quarterback Jorge Piedra connected with split end Adam Boyd six times for 111 yards, including scoring passes of five, 29 and 12 yards. Piedra completed seven of 11 passes for 127 yards. He also rushed for 11 yards in four carries.

“It’s the linemen, I’m telling you,” Piedra said. “They give me protection and they create holes so Fargo can run.”

Chaminade ran the ball with success but failed to convert on several third-down situations. Tailback Steven Hoo rushed for 107 yards in 28 carries and reserve Matthew Markis added 85 yards in 19 carries.

Notre Dame’s defense, however, limited Rodriguez to only two completions in seven attempts.

“Everybody feels horrible right now,” said Tim Johnson, Chaminade coach . “I told the juniors, make sure you keep this feeling with you.”

Notre Dame held only a 7-0 lead after one quarter, but led at halftime, 27-0.

Piedra scrambled for a 28-yard gain to sustain one march. A 51-yard run by Fargas set up Piedra’s 29-yard touchdown pass to Boyd on the next play.

In the final minute of the half, Piedra hit Fargas with a 16-yard screen pass , then connected with Boyd for 18 yards and again for 12 yards for a touchdown.