Football: St. Francis follows game plan in 35-14 victory over Greenfield

Doug Sarver felt the need to emphasize a couple things to his St. Francis team before its Oct. 5 game against Greenfield.

"All week long we've been stressing getting off the ball, running backs and offensive line and getting back to Mariner football," Sarver said. "That means running the ball and throwing play action passes.

"We really responded and did a good job of running the football."

He has a group of good listeners.

The Mariners ran for 248 yards and scored all five of their touchdowns on the ground in their 35-14 Woodland Conference victory at Greenfield.

The Mariners (4-3 overall, 4-2 Woodland South) spread the running wealth. Senior halfback Thomas Fera ran 18 times for 91 yards one touchdown, junior halfback Will Frisch carried 15 times for 76 yards and one TD, and sophomore fullback Evan Biller had 13 carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

"We really did a good job on the ground," Sarver said. "Our offensive line really got off the ball. Our running backs ran hard."

The defense was pretty good, too, especially at the end of the first half when Greenfield (1-6, 0-6) was stopped after having first and goal at the five.

The stand preserved a 14-7 lead, then Biller and Fera scored on runs of 9 and 10 yards, respectively, to help St. Francis pull away.

Sarver mentioned linebackers Mario Scianni, Justin Hiltunen and Fera, senior defensive back Jamin Chilsen and defensive end Mike Paquette.

"Those five seniors have really turned it up and have been very physical the last few games," Sarver said. "Junior linebacker Sam Rusch has really stepped it up, too."

Hiltunen was in on 13 tackles, including the stop on fourth down at the end of the first half.

"Big hit," Sarver said.

Chilsen and Sam Rusch each had 10 tackles.

Chilsen's interception in the second half set up a touchdown. Rusch had two tackles for losses.