The Montini Catholic football team opened its 2026 season with Friday’s 48-0 victory over Hoopeston Area High School. The Broncos, who are seeking their third straight IHSA state championship, scored three first-quarter touchdowns and added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35-0 halftime lead.
Montini senior quarterback Israel Abrams completed nine of 15 pass attempts for 192 yards and three touchdowns during the first half before heading to the sideline for the second half. Senior Eddie Kowalczyk of the Broncos provided a 31-yard touchdown run and a 14-yard touchdown reception.
Sophomore Eadon Reed, sophomore Patrick Gabriel, junior Frankie Carbonara, senior Damacio Ortegon and senior Daniel Sago scored one touchdown each for Montini. Senior kicker Johnny Louise made six of seven extra-point attempts. Senior Joey Neustadt made four receptions for 102 yards.
Montini’s defense shut out Hoopeston after holding the Cornjerkers to less than 100 yards of total offense. Senior linebackers Ben Evenson and Orlando Greco made eight tackles each for the Broncos. Sophomore Julian Figueroa contributed seven tackles. Sophomore Patrick Boeh recovered a fumble, while senior Andrew Chrastka intercepted a Hoopeston pass.
Montini will try to improve to 2-0 when it travels to Orland Park this Friday (Aug. 28) to face the Sandburg Eagles (1-0).
The Broncos honored former head coach Chris Andriano before their Aug. 21 season opener. The stadium turf at Montini was replaced in June. The new athletic surface is named “Chris Andriano Field” in honor of the longtime coach, who guided the Broncos’ football program to six IHSA state championships during his 38-season tenure (1979-2016).
