By David Gross ’22
On a wet Friday night to start the month of October, the Leo Lions traveled to Woodstock to face Marian Central Catholic in Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference football.
The Lions were without their starting quarterback, running back, linebacker and punter, and the injuries contributed to an inefficient showing on offense as Leo was blanked, 29-0.
The Lions were within 9-0 at halftime, but with the offense stymied, the defense wore down from overuse as Marian (2-3) pulled away in the second half to the 29-0 final.
Save for a 49-yard completion to senior wideout Austin Ford, Leo’s big plays came from its defense. Senior linebacker Jamari Allen had 11 tackles and a sack. Senior safety Tavion Gamblin made six tackles, and senior cornerback Rayion Davidson intercepted a pass.
Marian’s quarterback threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth.
The Lions (2-4) will hope for better health when they travel to La Grange to face Nazareth on Friday, Oct. 8. They play their Senior Day home finale against Marmion at St. Rita’s Cronin Field on Saturday, Oct. 16, and it might be their season finale as well; the Friday, Oct. 22 game at Rich Township is in danger of being canceled because of a COVID outbreak within the Rich Township school district.
Senior David Gross will graduate from Leo in May and intends to study sports journalism in college.