Eberth, ground game lead Prep past Malden Catholic

MALDEN – St. John’s Prep used the arm of quarterback Oliver Eberth and a strong running game to roll over Malden Catholic, 28-6 at Brother Gilbert Stadium on Friday night.Eberth tossed three touchdown passes and completed all 11 of his passes in the first half for the Eagles (4-1, 1-0). Running back Dillon Preston had two touchdowns.”I thought Oliver was really sharp early,” said St. John’s Prep head coach Brian St. Pierre. “He’s been getting better every week.”St. John’s Prep was coming off a tough non-conference loss to the Eastern Massachusetts powerhouse Everett last Saturday and they were hoping to open their Catholic Conference schedule with a strong effort on the road.St. John’s took care of business on their first possession. They took the opening kickoff and traveled 66 yards on 10 plays. The Eagles mixed the run with the pass. Preston finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run with 6:34 left in the first quarter. The Prep had a lead that they would not relinquish.”The offensive line did a great job making holes for [Preston and Cody Harwood],” said St. Pierre. “We run it when we want to run it and throw it when we want to throw it.”Malden Catholic was forced to punt the ball back to the Eagles. Two plays later, St. John’s held a quick 14-0 advantage when Eberth hit Owen Rockett in stride on a 43-yard pass down the right sideline.On the ensuing kickoff, Malden Catholic fumbled the ball. Brendan Powicki pounced on the loose ball for St. John’s Prep at the Lancers’ 38-yard line.Despite committing a couple of penalties, St. John’s Prep was able to score their third touchdown on the initial play of the second quarter. Eberth completed a 7-yard pass to an open Cam Weaver in the right corner of the end zone.St. John’s took a 28-0 lead about midway through the second quarter when Eberth connected on a 44-yard screen to Preston. Preston was able to break a few tackles as he ran down the left sideline before he crossed the goal line.Malden Catholic was able to keep St. John’s off the board for the rest of the night. The Eagles fumbled three times (including twice in the red zone) as the Lancers recovered on all three occasions.The Lancers were able to get a score on the final play of the game when Alex Massa had a 1-yard run. Eberth finished with a 100 percent completion percentage.”The coach must’ve been calling good plays,” joked St. Pierre.St. John’s Prep will set their sights on another Catholic Conference opponent in Catholic Memorial next week.