Taylor, Spartans top Shamrocks

In a game where one mistake can make or break the game, it was Marian Catholic that capitalized on a St. Patrick mistake as they came back for a 42-35 win Friday night at Hanson Stadium.

“We knew they had a tough offense, so we needed to take advantage of everything we got,’’ Spartan running back Jeruel Taylor said. “I’m a leader on the field and had to show it tonight.’’

Taylor had 220 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries.

St. Patrick (3-2, 2-2 East Suburban Catholic) got on the board first behind six-foot senior quarterback Ryan Tentler, who capped a 10-play Shamrock drive that started on their own 18 with a nine-yard touchdown run.

Taylor scored his first touchdown on a one-yard plunge with 8:51 remaining in the first half. His touchdown was set up by his own 44-yard run.

With 8:22 remaining, Tentler’s pass down the middle was intercepted by junior defensive back Justin Harris.

Marian Catholic (3-2, 3-2) capitalized on the turnover when Randall Wells (five carries, 123 yards, two touchdowns) scored on a 25-yard run that gave the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish.

St. Patrick was able to make it interesting late, as Tentler connected with Anthony Ferraris for a 58-yard score with 53 seconds remaining. But the Spartans recovered the ensuing onside kick.

“We knew they were going to be a tough team,’’ St. Patrick coach Dan Galante said. “That’s an All-Conference running back. We just weren’t able to make tackles.’’

Tentler (14 carries, 96 yards) led the Shamrocks with 252 yards and a touchdown on 18 of 31 passing. He also had rushing touchdowns of nine, one and three yards.

Guy DiBalsamo added 43 yards rushing on 11 carries and 138 yards receiving on eight catches for St. Patrick.