The Adam Kozerski era as Bishop Brossart’s head football coach began on a winning note as the Mustangs beat Walton-Verona 31-6 on Friday.
Kozerski, who was a part of the Holy Cross High 2011 State championship team, noted the similarities between Holy Cross and Bishop Brossart.
“These kids are cut from the same cloth, they’re working class, hard working kids and are receptive to good coaching,” Kozerski said.
After needing a quarter to gain their bearings, Bishop Brossart put up 14 in the second quarter. Anthony Schuck caught a touchdown reception from Brossart quarterback Tyler Holtz, one of four of Holtz’s passing touchdowns on the night. Holtz later connected with Cameron Mandel for a touchdown. Brossart would take a 14-0 lead into halftime.
Isaac Amin added a 30-yard reception for a touchdown in the third, Max Runge hitting all four of his extra points on the night and adding a 25-yard field goal with 9:29 remaining in the game to give the Mustangs a 24-0 lead.
The scoreboard partially describes Walton-Verona’s struggles in this game. Three players dealt with play-stopping cramps. One player threw up during the first quarter. Add to that, quarterback Jonathon Strunk missed the second half due to a hand injury. Strunk was stepping in for a starting quarterback that’s already sidelined for four weeks due to an injury. The Bearcats have four players returning from last year. Plus, several upperclassmen are dealing with injuries.
Amidst those challenges Walton-Verona head coach Gary Pence was impressed by the Bearcats effort and discipline.
“They’re doing the little things right, the kids are starting to buy in,” Pence said.
The biggest highlight for the Bearcats happened in the fourth quarter. After a Gavin Gaines interception, Trace Dalton scored on the ensuing possession on a 10-yard run to make it 24-6.
Landon Ruth finished the scoring on the night with a 49 yard touchdown reception from Holtz.
The Mustangs (1-0) return to action next week at North College Hill (Ohio). The Bearcats (0-1) open the season with three straight home games, the second one next week coming against Newport Central Catholic.
Mustangs 31, Bearcats 6
Bishop Brossart– 0-14-7-10 –31
Walton-Verona– 0-0-0-6 –6
Scoring Plays
2nd Quarter
(BB) Holtz 5-yard pass to Schuck (10:12) Runge kick
(BB) Holtz pass to Mandel (2:33) Runge kick
3rd Quarter
(BB) Holtz 30-yard pass to Amin (3:37) Runge kick
4th Quarter
(BB) Runge 25-yard FG (9:29)
(WV) Dalton 10-yard run (7:30) Run failed
(BB) Holtz 49-yard pass to Ruth (2:16) Runge kick