By David Gross ’22
On a warm Saturday night, the Leo Lions started their season on an impressive note, with a 45-6 win over Chicago Bulls College Prep on Aug. 28 at St. Rita’s Pat Cronin Field.
Senior Quarterback James E’Akels set the tone, hooking up with senior wide receiver Rayion Davidson for a 32-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. Playing just over a half, E’Akels completed six of seven passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Davidson added a second touchdown on a 36-yard interception return.
Senior running back Marcus Ray had seven carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, junior running back Rayshaun Davidson had a 32-yard TD run and senior Chris Lindo accounted for two additional touchdowns. But Leo’s defense was just as impressive, forcing five fumbles, registering 10 quarterback sacks and intercepting three passes, returning two of them for touchdowns, one by Davidson and one by senior linebacker Jamari Allen.
In fact, if the first game is a glimpse into the season, the Lions’ defense will be a hard one to score on. Senior Jakolbi Wilson, the reigning Catholic League Red Division defensive player of the year, made three sacks and recovered a fumble. Allen had three sacks to go with his pick-six, and junior linebacker Isiah Knox finished with nine tackles.
With the game in hand, backup QB Matthew Harvey got some significant playing time and displayed dual-threat potential.
Leo’s next game is against Catholic League Red rival Marian Catholic (0-1) on Friday, Sept. 3rd at 7 p.m., also at Cronin Field. The season-opening nonconference win halted a 10-game losing streak for the Lions.