Light Touch Lifts Notre Dame

There’s no truth to the rumor that when quarterback Seth Oseransky of Notre Dame High launches a pass, you have time to buy a hot dog before it reaches its target.

Lacking in zip but rarely missing their mark, Oseransky’s passes are a big reason the Knights are 6-0 and challenging for No. 1 status in the region.

He completed 12 of 19 passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns Friday night in the Knights’ 35-14 nonleague victory over previously unbeaten Harvard-Westlake.

Tailback Chris Leon rushed for 153 yards in 15 carries, the most yards by a Notre Dame tailback since Justin Fargas last season.

This was no blowout, though. In fact, Notre Dame left with renewed respect for the Wolverines (5-1).

“Those guys are huge,” Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney said. “They played us tough.”

Notre Dame held a 21-7 halftime lead, but Harvard-Westlake drove 64 yards in 10 plays to start the second half, with George Witter scoring on a one-yard run. The Wolverines got the ball back and moved it to the Notre Dame 23. That’s when Alex Holmes fumbled, and the Knights took control.

Oseransky directed an 83-yard, seven-play scoring drive, connecting with Todd Fenton on a 14-yard touchdown pass. It was Fenton’s second score of the night and 17th career touchdown reception, tying a school record.

This was supposed to be the season in which Notre Dame struggled with Fargas off to Michigan and the team moving up to Division I. But so far, Oseransky has provided a major boost to an offense that rolled up 426 yards Friday.

Oseransky wasn’t even Notre Dame’s No. 1 quarterback when the season began. He shared duties with junior Jonathon Brewster. Rooney desperately wanted Oseransky to win the job because he felt the offense would be more dangerous with Brewster at wide receiver. Each week, Oseransky has become more comfortable and confident in his passing role.

He is following in the tradition of David DeMartinis, Jorge Piedra and Ryan Bowne. Rooney demands his quarterbacks display efficiency, not glitter, and come through with completions, not interceptions.

Oseransky is completing close to 60% of his passes. The Wolverines intercepted two of his passes, doubling his season interception total.

“I work on getting better every week,” he said. “It’s not all about a strong arm. It’s making the right reads and getting the ball to the receivers.”

Brewster had the catch of the night in the first quarter, diving in the end zone to grab a 37-yard touchdown pass.

Harvard-Westlake, behind tackle Tom Larkin, moved the ball on the ground successfully at times. Witter rushed for 75 yards in 24 carries and Robert Van Norden gained 78 yards in three carries.

Harvard-Westlake is the third unbeaten team the Knights have beaten in six games this season.