For those wondering how Tom DiCristina would do in his first varsity start under center, the new Montini signal-caller answered with a defining statement.

The junior completed 18-of-23 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns while running for another, helping the Broncos to a 34-24 victory over Sacred Heart-Griffin Saturday night at Benedictine University in Lisle.

The loss snapped a 28-game winning streak for the visitors, who have won back-to-back Class 5A state championships.

“They've won 28 games straight,” said DiCristina, who took over the quarterback position from a graduated Pete Cappetta. “This was a big game for us. We worked so hard in the offseason and we weren't going to lose this game.

“Our O-line did a great job. Our running backs and wide receivers did a great job. We have a lot of weapons. We planned on coming in here and playing as a team and we did that.”

DiCristina’s first touchdown pass covered 61-yards and was hauled in by Brian Zirko, giving Montini a 14-3 lead in the first quarter. DiCristina then connected with Johnny Borsellino for a 48-yard strike which came 20 seconds before halftime and made the score 27-17 at intermission.

The junior also used his legs, rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries, which included a 16-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“I was kind of nervous; I had never played a varsity game,” DiCristina said. “But everybody told me to just play my game and have fun. They told me I’d do fine but I had butterflies before the game. But once I got out there and took my first hit, I was fine.”

Dex Jones added a 3-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter and Borsellino capped off the scoring with a 1-yard scoring plunge late in the game.

“It was a great game,” said Montini head coach Chris Andriano. “I thought our kids really stepped up. Tom (DiCristina) had a kind of coming-out party today. He is a great athlete with a good arm. I was really happy with our offense tonight.

“These guys know we have a lot of talent; we just have to learn how to win and finish games the right way. Our guys really want to step up at crunch time and they are ready to play football. We are taking no prisoners now. It was fun watching it tonight.

Hopefully we keep it going and don't get complacent.”