The St. Francis defense had a banner afternoon Saturday in Elmhurst, leading the way to an 18-0 Suburban Christian crossover win over Immaculate Conception.
The Spartans (6-2) held the Knights to 101 yards of total offense, forced 15 negative plays from scrimmage, recovered two fumbles and added a safety for good measure.
"It's a great team effort on both sides of the ball," linebacker Jeff Rutkowski said. "Our blitzes off the outside were getting there, and our coverage was right today."
The Spartans got on the board on their second drive of the game when Dan Beck ran for an 8-yard score on fourth-and-goal to cap a seven-play, 61-yard drive. Jack Petrando added a 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He finished with 156 rushing yards.
"I had huge holes to run behind, but what was more impressive was our defensive effort," Petrando said.
The defense highlighted its superb performance with a fourth-quarter safety when a swarm of Spartans, led by Rutkowski, stopped Knights quarterback Demetrius Carr for a loss on a sneak from his own 1-yard line.
Immaculate Conception (5-3) didn't reach the red zone until the fourth quarter, long after the game was well in hand.
"There's no better time to peak," said Rutkowski, alluding to the state playoffs that begin in two weeks. "We're going to make a run."
Player of the game: St. Francis defense, 15 negative plays forced, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, safety.
Key performers: St. Francis — Jack Petrando, 156 rushing yards, TD; Jeff Rutkowski, 2 sacks; 41 rushing yards; Immaculate Conception — Demetrius Carr, 7-for-13, 77 yards.