The ball falls to the ground after a missed handoff between Central Catholic running back Ian Whitaker and quarterback Jadyn Ellison as the Saints came up short against IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Central Catholic's Isaac Whitaker beats IVC defenders to the sideline on a 43-yard kickoff return during the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Central Catholic running back Ian Whitaker looks for running room against IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Central Catholic defensive back Ian Whitaker upends IVC running back Jack Merlo (23) in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
BLOOMINGTON – Relying on the running game proved to be an effective strategy for the Chillicothe IVC football team on Wednesday at Bill Hundman Memorial Field.
And the Grey Ghosts’ passing attack had its moments as well in a 47-16 Illini Prairie Conference victory over Central Catholic.
IVC totaled 284 yards rushing and 165 through the air while hiking its record to 2-1.
“That’s a good team. We knew they had a lot of offensive weapons,” Central Catholic coach Kevin Braucht said. “The thing I’m probably most disappointed about is this is the first game since we’ve been here we weren’t really competitive.”
Jack Merlo rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries for the Ghosts. Quarterback Nolin Hulett completed 11 of 15 passes for 165 yards and two TDs.
“We tried to emphasize the running game this week because we haven’t had much of one,” said IVC coach Tim Heinz. “I thought our running backs and offensive line did outstanding. It started there and then we could work the rest of our offense.”
The Saints (0-3) scored on a 23-yard field goal from David Broadbear and trailed 33-3 at halftime.
Central Catholic registered second-half touchdowns on a 1-yard run by Jake Slaughter and a 9-yard pass from Colin Hayes to Matthew Trosino.
Slaughter rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries, while Ian Whitaker led the Saints with 89 yards on eight attempts.
Photos: Central Catholic plays rare Wednesday night game against IVC
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Central Catholic's Isaac Whitaker beats IVC defenders to the sideline on a 43-yard kickoff return during the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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The ball falls to the ground after a missed handoff between Central Catholic running back Ian Whitaker and quarterback Jadyn Ellison as the Saints came up short against IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Central Catholic running back Ian Whitaker looks for running room against IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Central Catholic defensive back Ian Whitaker upends IVC running back Jack Merlo (23) in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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A Central Catholic back is caught between two IVC defenders in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Central Catholic running back Isaac Whitaker collides with IVC defensive back Jordan Rupp (30) in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Central Catholic linemen sized up IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Central Catholic soccer player David Broadbear scored three points for the school's football team as he kicked a field goal against IVC in the first quarter at Bill Hundman Memorial Field, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
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Contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 820-3403. Follow him on Twitter: pg_reinhardt
