The Montini Catholic football team raised its season record to 6-2 with Friday’s 49-7 victory over Marmion Academy in Lombard.
The Broncos scored six first-half touchdowns to build a 42-0 halftime lead over the visiting Cadets, who are members of the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) Purple Division. That lead of at least 40 points triggered a running clock for the entire second half.
After forcing a Marmion punt on the game’s opening drive, Montini scored on its first offensive series. Senior quarterback Israel Abrams threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to senior Luca Florio to give the Broncos a 6-0 lead. Senior Johnny Louise then made the first of his seven extra-point kicks of the evening to push the lead to 7-0.
Florio scored Montini’s second touchdown on a 47-yard punt return. Abrams and senior Donovan Evans later connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass with about five minutes to play in the first quarter. Louise’s extra point pushed the lead to 21-0.
Abrams added a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior Daniel Sago. Senior Eddie Kowalczyk contributed a 48-yard touchdown run. Abrams scored Montini’s sixth touchdown of the first half on a 20-yard run.
Montini freshman quarterback Charlie Bliss threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to senior Joey Neustadt during the second half.
Abrams completed 12 of 18 pass attempts for 234 yards and three touchdowns in one half of action. He has now thrown 25 touchdown passes this season. He’s also piled up 10 rushing touchdowns.
Montini sophomore Julian Figueroa intercepted a Marmion pass to produce the game’s only turnover.
“Lots of credit goes to the Marmion players and coaches,” stated Montini coach Mike Bukovsky in his post-game comments. “They are feeling the effects of the Catholic League grind at this time, and were not at full strength. We knew they would prepare and compete hard the whole game, so we needed to start fast, and fortunately we did. It was truly an entire team effort.”
Montini will complete its regular season with this Friday’s CCL Green Division home game against St. Francis. The Broncos hold a 2-1 record in division play. The Spartans of St. Francis will enter the contest with an overall record of 4-4 and a division mark of 1-1. In the Green Division’s other matchup on Friday, St. Rita will play at Nazareth Academy. St. Rita holds a 2-0 record in division play. Nazareth’s division record stands at 0-2.
The Broncos, who are seeking their third straight IHSA state title, will learn their 2026 post-season path when the IHSA releases its post-season pairings this Saturday night, Oct. 17.
