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Lansdale Catholic rolls past Conwell-Egan, 35-12

With Vince Picozzi clearing space at left guard, Lansdale Catholic racked up 311 rushing yards in the first half of a Catholic League Class AA semifinal playoff against Conwell-Egan.

With Vince Picozzi clearing space at left guard, Lansdale Catholic racked up 311 rushing yards in the first half of a Catholic League Class AA semifinal playoff against Conwell-Egan.

"The coaches stressed the importance of us needing to start strong," the 6-foot-4, 270-pound senior said. "And we got off the ball really well from the get-go."

The Crusaders scored twice in the first three minutes, built a 22-point lead by intermission, and easily earned a berth in the final with a 35-12 triumph over the Eagles at Cardinal O'Hara.

Ryan Quigley, the league's most valuable player, carried 22 times for 226 yards and three first-half touchdowns. He scored on dashes of 65, 3, and 80 yards.

"That's nothing special for Ryan," Picozzi said. "We've come to expect games like that from him. He's a great playmaker."

Quigley, fellow halfback Marlen Fenstermacher (12 carries for 98 yards), and quarterback Mike Basilii (12 for 59, two TDs) accounted for the bulk of Lansdale Catholic's 405 rushing yards on 50 attempts. Basilii broke free for a 51-yard score in the early going.

Picozzi was joined up front by center David Torri, guard Nathanial Ensanien, tackles Patrick Schwind and James Macy, and ends Bob Bausman and Matt Herron. Tim Swierzewski chipped in at fullback.

Doubling at defensive tackle, Picozzi was involved in six tackles and deflected a pass against Conwell-Egan (5-5). He is first-team all-Catholic League on both sides of the ball.

"He's a mild-mannered kid off the field," coach Tom Kirk said. "On the field, he's a monster."

Picozzi joined linebacker David Saulino (fourth-quarter fumble recovery) on a third-quarter sack; Quigley made 13 tackles and an interception at strong safety; and cornerback Dillon Molettiere had a third-quarter pick.

Conwell-Egan 6 0 6 0 - 12

Lansdale Catholic 14 14 0 7 - 35

LC: Mike Basilii 51 run (Ryan Carbone kick)

CE: Patrick Garwo 92 kickoff return (kick failed)

LC: Ryan Quigley 65 run (Carbone kick)

LC: Quigley 3 run (Carbone kick)

LC: Quigley 80 run (Carbone kick)

CE: Kendall Jones 4 run (pass failed)

LC: Basilii 1 run (Carbone kick)