Montini’s Johnny Louise Kicks Two Field Goals to Defeat Lumen Christi

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish on October 13, 2023, junior kicker Johnny Louise propelled Montini to a stunning 20-16 victory over the three-time defending state champions, Lumen Christi (MI). Louise secured all of Montini’s second-half points with two crucial 42-yard field goals, showcasing his remarkable skills just weeks after taking over the kicking duties.

Louise’s first field goal broke a 14-all tie late in the third quarter, following penalties that pushed the kick back 10 yards. “I had confidence going in. I worked with a kicking guy last week and took what he said and tried to put it all together,” Louise remarked, reflecting on his unexpected rise to heroism.

His impact extended beyond kicking. With just over a minute remaining, Louise deflected a pass that teammate Kenny Hines intercepted, thwarting a potential game-winning drive by the Titans at Montini’s 20-yard line. “We fought through adversity and pulled the win out,” Louise added, encapsulating the team’s tenacity.

Montini’s offense was diverse, with Isaac Alexander rushing for 74 yards and receiving another 63 yards on six catches. He opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run, complemented by a 28-yard TD pass from Israel Adams to Nico Castaldo just before halftime.

Adams completed 15 of 25 passes for 194 yards and added 38 yards on the ground, despite a last-second safety that impacted the final score. “We had to focus all week long; we knew it would be a battle,” said Alexander, emphasizing the team’s championship mentality.

Lumen Christi fought back, narrowing the gap with a six-yard reception by Seab Walicki and tying the game with a quarterback sneak from Benny Gaston. However, Montini’s defense held strong, with Elijah Stephens contributing an interception to seal the victory.

“I’m pleasantly happy to come out with a win. Our goals are our goals but we can’t worry about that yet,” said head coach Mike Bukovsky, reflecting on the importance of this hard-fought game.

This victory is a significant step for Montini, who captured the Class 3A state title last year, marking their seventh championship in program history. As they look ahead, the team aims to refine their performance and continue their path toward the playoffs. “We knew we could find a way to win,” Alexander concluded, highlighting the team’s belief in their abilities.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Montini builds on this momentum. With emerging stars like Louise and a resilient team spirit, the Broncos are poised for continued success.