Cardinals move to to 4-1

The Cardinals clicked on all cylinders this past Saturday with an 83-7 victory over the Vikings of North Park University. The offense exploded right out of the gate scoring thirty four points in the first quarter on only ten plays. Defensively, the Cardinals suffocated the Viking offense all night allowing only seven points and 152 yards.

Quarterback Aaron Fanthorpe put on a passing clinic going a perfect 12-12 for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Fanthorpe had all night to throw as the Cardinal offensive line, led by senior tackle Josh Delancy, kept the North Park pressure to a minimum. Leading the Cardinals in receiving was junior Steve Hlavac who totaled three grabs for sixty three yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, the offense took the running back by committee approach and pounded out 401 yards and eight touchdowns, with six different players finding the end zone. Senior running back Dominic Sulo rushed for eighty eight yards on fourteen carries and led the team with three touchdowns. Freshman Nick Kukuc led the Cards in rushing yardage with 104.

Defensively, the Cardinals were led by sophomore linebacker Jim Bardusk, who totaled six tackles and a sack. Linebacker Willie Hayes scored his second defensive touchdown of the season on a forty yard fumble recovery that put the Cards up by two scores early in the first quarter. On the night, North Park was only able to manage forty nine yards rushing on thirty three attempts.

On special teams, the Cardinals played fast and physical, giving both the offense and defense great field position all night. Sophomore kicker Morgan Sheridan was perfect kicking for the Cards and broke a school record with eleven extra points made throughout the game.

Sunday afternoon, the JV Cardinals squeaked by Elmhurst College 19-18 and completed the season sweep of the Blue Jays. This weekend’s victories brought both squads to 4-1 on the season.

This Saturday, the Cardinals look to remain perfect in CCIW play when they travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin to face the Carthage College Red Men. The Red Men are also 4-1 on the season and posted a 45-38 victory over Elmhurst this past Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM.