While it certainly was not pretty, a win is a win for the still undefeated Montini football team as it topped Immaculate Conception 17-15 in a key Suburban Catholic Conference game in Elmhurst.

Unable to find a real rhythm offensively, Montini (6-0 overall, 3-0 SCC) relied on its ferocious defense to shut down the Knights.

Mission accomplished — for 42 minutes at least. The last six, however, saw the once anemic IC offense explode for 15 points out of the no-huddle offense, grabbing two touchdowns through the air.

“There was a real sense of urgency out there,” said IC quarterback Mark Cronin, who connected with running back Paul Hornsta on both fourth-quarter TD passes. “We were not going to get shut out for eight straight quarters going back to last week (28-0 loss to Driscoll), and if only we come out first the 42 minutes like that, it’s a different ballgame.”

Unfortunately, for Immaculate Conception (3-3, 2-2 SCC), it was too little too late as a failed onside kick with just five seconds remaining sealed the win for the visiting Broncos, spoiling IC’s homecoming.

Despite the defensive breakdown, Montini is still confident, taking yet another step towards a potential perfect season. 

“(Immaculate Conception) did not quit, they played hard,” Montini head coach Chris Andriano said. “We had to earn everything we got. … We played very well for three and a half quarters, then we got sloppy.”

Offensively, Montini was efficient but not flashy. Quarterback Tom DiChristina failed to find a rhythm on the short passing game and finished with 115 yards on 12 of 24 completions. The senior captain was able to reach the end zone via the pass late in the fourth quarter when he connected with senior Grant Goebel on a 3-yard play-action score.

DiChristina did most of his damage on the ground. He had a team high 120 yards and a score, showing big-play ability every time he touched the ball.

“A quarterback like (Tom DiChristina) is tough to stop,” IC head coach Bill Schmidt said. ”I can’t tell you how many third and fives he converted, slithering here, finding a seam there… a big time guy like that just seems to find ways to make plays”