Redskins (running) clocked by Rita

QB Martin Maldonado and the Morris Redskins had a long night Friday, losing 42-7 to St. Rita. (Herald photo by Adam Nekola)

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For the third straight season, the Morris football team has found itself behind the eight ball at the onset of the year. In 2007 the Redskins opened with back-to-back losses against Pontiac and Joliet Catholic Academy, in '08 they lost back-to-back against Bishop McNamara and Addison Driscoll Catholic and now this year has dawned with consecutive losses to Oswego and St. Rita.

The latest installment coming in a 42-7, running clock fashion at home to the Mustangs.

"They have a good team," Morris coach George Dergo said. "They are good and we fell right into what we didn't want to do coming into the ball game."

Which is turn the ball over, including on the first play of the game on a tipped pass that was intercepted by Michael Parker. Seven plays later, St. Rita running back Jahwon Akui (22 carries, 213 yards) scored the first of four TD in the contest on a 5-yard run. Chris Donahue added the PAT kick and it was 7-0 at 8:47.

Two plays later, Morris quarterback Martin Maldonado was intercepted again — only this time Javier Green returned it 72 yards for a score. Donahue's kick at 7:45 made it 14-0.

The score went to 21-0 when Akui bolted in from 22 yards out and Donohue made it 21-0 with 1:49 left in the first quarter. That was where the game would stay until there was 5:00 left in the half when Akui scored from 35-yards away. This coming after an interception by Patrick Walsh. Joseph Campagna then capped all of the scoring in the first half by intercepting a Maldonado pass and returning it for 55 yards. Donohue added both PAT kicks and the score at intermission was 35-0.

The pick was one of 5 on the day by St. Rita's defense.

"We came out and were wanting to play our game, but they have some big-time players," Morris running back Rex Layne said. "And we made some mistakes and lost the momentum. St. Rita has a great team — a good 7A team. But I think we learned from our mistakes and it should only help us come together."

The final two touchdowns of the game came when Akui ran one in from 20 yards away and the first Morris score of the season came courtesy of Layne — his coming on a 5-yard run with 7:17 left in the game.

"This is a good ball team that we have, I'm telling you," Dergo said. "These are lessons that have to be learned and are only going to help us down the road. You watch. We'll be fine."

St. Rita ended the game with 265 yards rushing in 36 carries and it was also 2-of-11 passing for 14 yards. Brett Clauson and Jordan Bruyn collected interceptions.

Morris ended with 67 yards rushing in 22 carries and was 4-of-14 passing for 33 yards.

The Redskins lost the sophomore game 3-0 on a game-ending field goal by the Mustangs.