Spalding Runs Away with Homecoming Victory 34-7.

Spalding celebrates a touchdown over John Carroll (Kyle Knopp)

By: Jeremy Wolff

It was all smiles at Archbishop Spalding last Friday night.

The home crowd was buzzing as parents and students were set up with tents and grills tailgating hours before the homecoming game even started.

The Cavaliers took the field with swagger and confidence. The players ran out through an archway of balloons and a tunnel of cheerleaders as their names were announced over the loud speaker.

The tempo of the game was immediately set after Spalding's defense forced a fumble on John Carroll's first offensive possession, recovering the ball on the 42 yard line.

Spalding took over and marched down the field for the first score of the game on a 14-yard run by senior Nick Whittles.

The running did not stop there, as the Cavaliers continued to stomp all over the John Carroll defense. Spalding added four more rushing touchdowns, including three more from Whittles.

"I was ready to run," Whittles said, "My offensive line did everything today. I give them all the credit in the world."

The running game was so effective that Spalding did not attempt a pass the entire first half and only completed two passes all game.

However, it was not the offense coach Mike Whittles was most impressed with but rather the defense.

"Out of their [John Carroll] first seven possessions five of them were three and out, so I was thrilled with the defensive performance," Coach Whittles said.

Spalding forced two fumbles and never let John Carroll get into any sort of offensive rhythm. John Carroll made a switch at quarterback after halftime, but they were still unable to match up against the suffocating Spalding pass rush.

The Cavaliers have the week off while John Carroll looks to bounce back when they play St. Paul's October 10.