Hannan wears down Pope John Paul, improves to 3-0 with 28-3 victory

FINAL STATS

It wasn’t always pretty, Archbishop Hannan had picked up a win against rival Pope John Paul an improved to 3-0 on the season.

Like the Hawks’ win last week against Central Catholic, the first half proved to be tough sledding for both offenses.

Both the Hawks and the Jaguars gained less than 100 yards in the first half, as it finished 7-3 with a Brendan David touchdown proving to be the difference between the two teams.

Hannan coach Scott Wattigny said the offense was out of sync, forcing the Hawks to dip into a new offensive package they hoped to keep secret for a bit longer.

Wattigny said it was ultimately penalties that proved to be the Hawks’ downfall offensively.

Hannan finished with 12 penalties for 94 yards.

“It completely changed the complexity of the game,” Wattigny said. “We left two touchdowns on the board and should have been going into the half 21-3, instead it’s 7-3.”

The new package for the Hawks sported tight end Seth Cailouett running out of the full back position in what looked like a Full House offensive alignment.

Cailouett, 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, proved to be a star in the short yardage game, finishing with 64 yards and several first down runs.

Even with Cailouett’s offensive showing it was the Hawks’ defense and safety Cam O’Brien who stole the show.

In the last two games, the Hawks have given up less than 400 yards and only 10 points.

O’Brien picked up two interceptions on the night, flashing his range and hitting ability from the safety position.

“They’ve played great. Credit goes to (Defensive Coordinator Bryan) Villa and the coaching staff they executed exceptionally well,” Wattigny said. “It couldn’t be more fun watching them. That’s kind of the identity on defense that we are looking for.”

Hannan will host The Church Academy next week in the first home game of the season.