North Catholic shuts out Elizabeth Forward

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 5, 2018 | 11:15 PM

307878_GTR-NCEF06-100618 — Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

North Catholic High School's Anthony Servanti fumbles the ball when Elizabeth Forward High School hosted North Catholic High School at Warriors' Stadium, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

307878_GTR-NCEF02-100618 — Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

Elizabeth Forward High School's Christopher Makosey dives for a first down when Elizabeth Forward High School hosted North Catholic High School at Warriors' Stadium, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

307878_GTR-NCEF03-100618 — Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

Elizabeth Forward High School's Nico Mrvos catches a pass over North Catholic's Rashod Allen when Elizabeth Forward High School hosted North Catholic High School at Warriors' Stadium, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

307878_GTR-NCEF04-100618 — Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

North Catholic's Cameron Branch gets tackled by Elizabeth Forward's Christopher Makosey when Elizabeth Forward High School hosted North Catholic High School at Warriors' Stadium, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

307878_GTR-NCEF08-100618 — Andrew Russell | Tribune-Review

Elizabeth Forward High School's Christopher Makosey gets brought down when Elizabeth Forward High School hosted North Catholic High School at Warriors' Stadium, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

Both North Catholic and Elizabeth Forward brought tough defenses into Friday night’s Class 3A Big East Conference matchup.

But it was North Catholic’s defense that did the best job in the end. The Trojans knocked off Elizabeth Forward, 27-0.

Neither team had much momentum in the first half until Trojans quarterback Zack Rocco scored on a 5-yard run with 6:31 remaining in the second quarter.

The extra point was blocked and North Catholic (6-1, 4-1) held a 6-0 halftime lead.

North Catholic took advantage of great field position and Warriors turnovers in the second half to open up a 21-0 lead on Tyree Brown’s touchdown receptions of 20 and 19 yards that came 48 seconds apart.

Rocco added the final tally in the fourth quarter with his second touchdown run of the night, this one a 57-yard jaunt as the Trojans cruised to a victory.

Elizabeth Forward coach Mike Collodi mentioned pregame the Warriors (6-1, 5-1) needed to limit the big plays.

What wasn’t expected by Collodi was their best starting field position would be their own 24-yard line.

Rocco accumulated 276 total yards (193 passing, 83 rushing) and four total touchdowns. Brown ended the game with five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Cameron Branch gained 95 yards.

The Warriors were led by quarterback Zach Benedek, who threw for 107 yards and rushed for 66 yards. He also threw two interceptions.

North Catholic moved into a three-way tie with the Warriors and Derry and faces Uniontown next Friday in a home game at Mars.

Elizabeth Forward travels to Mt. Pleasant next Friday.

Sean Saputo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Elizabeth Forward

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North Catholic shuts out Elizabeth Forward

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