QB Pajolek Leads Staples Football Over Trinity Catholic

A dynamic debut for senior starting quarterback Chester Pajolek, coupled with a punishing defense, paved the way  for Staples' 31-16 home win over visiting Trinity Catholic in FCIAC football action on Friday afternoon.

When Pajolek wasn't dropping back behind a stout offensive line to connect with a number of weapons, he was recognizing running lanes and racing downfield for sizeable gains on the ground.   

In total, Pajolek tossed three touchdown passes and rushed for another score in his first career varsity start. He also broke off a 62-yard TD run that was called  back due to a holding penalty.

From start to finish, it was quite the showing for the Staples' signal-caller

"Grade-wise, he definitely gets an 'A' for what he showed out there today," Staples head coach Marce Petroccio said. "He was calm in the pocket and he also did some great things for us running the ball.

"Our line gave him plenty of time and he made some great decisions. Overall, it was a really good first start for him."

For Pajolek, the comfort level arrived after two early three-and-outs.

"We started a bit slow, but we started to click as the first quarter wore on," Pajolek said. "The option offense that we run really gives me the freedom to pass or run depending on what I see. I'm glad I was able to make some good things happen for us, and our defense was huge all game long."

Staples swarmed from the first snap onward, as defensive end Chris Coyne teamed with  linebackers Rob Gau and Greg Lewis to continually dominate a Crusaders' offense that could muster just six points through three quarters.

With two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions amid a slew of hurries, the talented Trinity Catholic duo of quarterback Patrick Murphy and tailback Mike Revis was silenced by the Wreckers' defense.

"We all hold each other accountable on defense," said Coyne, who was in the Crusaders' backfield early and often. "We are always fighting to strip the ball, pressure the quarterback, and force turnovers."  

Staples blanked the Crusaders in the first half en route to a 21-0 halftime advantage before surrendering a touchdown run by Revis late in third quarter.

The only other touchdown  for Trinity came in the waning moments when Revis scored on a 34-yard run against Staples' second team defense.

 "To keep a big, strong back like Revis in check for much of the game was impressive," Petroccio said. "They  have a good offense, so it was a strong effort by our entire defense today."  

Pajolek went to work midway through the first quarter to get the Wreckers' scoring underway. He dashed 43 yards on a quarterback scramble before finishing what he started with a five yard run for a  7-0 lead.

Facing a 3rd-and-18 two possessions later, Pajolek found a streaking Coyne down the middle for a crucial 20-yard completion. That set up a 42-yard touchdown bomb to Jason Mawicke and a  two-touchdown Staples' advantage.  

On the last play of the first half, the Wreckers extended the lead to 21-0 lead, courtesty of a touchdown grab by John Heil. Once again, Pajolek was able to elude a pair of Crusaders before lofting a pass to Heil as time expired.  

Mawicke, who was perfect on extra point attempts while booming every kickoff, nailed a 24-yard field goal to make it 24-0 in the third quarter.

Pajolek had one more long completion left in his right arm, letting loose on a 42-yard touchdown pass to Robby Herman near the end of the third period.