Lake Catholic Football Team Notches Third Consecutive Shutout Win

Twelve quarters.

That is how long it's been since the Lake Catholic football team has allowed its opponent to score a single point.

The Cougars climbed to 6-3 on the back of its stellar defense and third consecutive shutout.

Lake Catholic blanked the Walsh Jesuit Warriors (2-6) 24-0 Friday night.

"As a program, we really emphasize the importance of defense," Lake Catholic Head Coach Mike Bell said. "That's what we need to do to win."

While the Cougars' defense and running game has attracted most of the attention this season, Lake Catholic quarterback Mark Baniewicz unleashed his arm against the Warriors.

He connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Patrick Fitzgerald in the second quarter. Then, in the third, he scrambled out of the pocket and found Daniel Morales for a 46-yard touchdown pass.

Running back and University of Toledo recruit John Stepec also scored for the Cougars on a 2-yard run.

The Cougars are in the midst of a 5-0 run that seemed unlikely when they began their season 1-3.

Bell credited his team for not losing the faith during its slow start.

"This season was going to go one of two ways and those guys really buckled down," he said.

However, the season's not over yet. The Cougars face rival Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin next week. A loss will likely cost Lake Catholic a spot in the playoffs.

"There's still a lot on the line for us," Bell said. "We need to keep improving."