1978 League Game Recaps

DeSales (6-0, 0-0) vs. Bishop Hartley
Date:  October 14, 1978
Location:  Bishop Hartley

Result:  DeSales 12, Bishop Hartley 0

DeSales (7-0, 1-0) vs. Bishop Ready
Date:  October 20, 1978
Location:  Franklin County Stadium

Result:  DeSales 17, Bishop Ready 14
DeSales placekicker Roy Burrell kicked a game-winning 20-yard field goal as time expired to keep the Stallions' perfect season alive.

DeSales (8-0, 2-0) vs. Bishop Watterson (4-3, 2-0)
Date:  October 27, 1978
Location:  Franklin County Stadium

Result:  DeSales 10, Bishop Watterson 7
For the second week in a row, DeSales placekicker Roy Burrell had a game-winning field goal to lift the Stallions in their quest for a CCL championship.  Against Watterson, Burrell hit a 30-yard field goal with 1:49 remaining and the Stallions clinched at least a share of the CCL championship.  DeSales quarterback Eric Holleman threw for 68 yards with a touchdown and ran for 53 yards.  Frank Borghese was the game’s leading rusher with 68 yards. The Eagles out-gained the Stallions 199-163 and suffered just their 4th CCL loss in the previous 15 seasons.  

DeSales (9-0. 3-0) vs. St. Charles (1-8, 0-2)
Date:  November 3, 1978 

Result:  DeSales 65, St. Charles 0
Head Coach Tony Pusateri, a 1969 St. Francis DeSales graduate, led his alma mater to their first-ever undefeated season as the Stallions rolled St. Charles and won their overall 2nd CCL title.  Joe Cimenello had 5 interceptions in a game in which the Stallions intercepted the Cardinals 8 times.  The DeSales defense posted it’s sixth shutout (in 10 games).  John Lawson and Bob Esselstein each scored twice for the Stallions.   

1978 Quick Facts 

• First undefeated, untied season in school history

• DeSales won its 4th CCL Title

• The Stallions finished the season ranked 5th in the state in final UPI Class AA Poll, but only finished 4th in the computer polls.  In 1978, only the top team in each of the four regions qualified for the playoffs

• DeSales finished as the top ranked team in the Columbus Dispatch Poll

• The Stallions’ defense posted six shutouts and gave up only 47 points all season

• Head Coach Tony Pusateri, a member of the DeSales’ first-ever CCL title in 1968, was named District Coach of the Year

• Defensive Lineman Dave Noeth was named the District Lineman of the Year and was also recognized on the All-Ohio Team

• Placekicker Roy Burrell kicked two game-winning field goals and finished the season tied for 12th in area scoring with 13 PAT and 3 FG

• The Stallions returned nine starters from the 1977 team, which finished 6-4 overall and 2-2 in CCL play. Returning were: Jim Bastaja, Mike Bernhard, Chuck Borghese, Joe Ciminello, Errick Engert, Kevin Hollern, John Lawson, Dave Noeth, Bill Shirk