Hicks also returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, setting the tone in a 49-12 victory. The Knights (1-2) recorded their first 2020 victory as the pandemic-shortened six-game season reached its midway point.
“We had to jump on them early,” Hicks said. “We came off two losses. It was good we finally got the W.”
Hicks was listed as a defensive back on the roster last season and is now listed as a linebacker, which is where he played Friday. He said he can play wherever Alter needs him, whether that’s in the secondary, at linebacker or even on the defensive line. He also returned punts and nearly broke one for a touchdown.
Photos: Alter vs. Fenwick in Week 3 https://t.co/yl4pOnrOgI
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) September 12, 2020
“C.J.'s got that kind of talent,” Alter coach Ed Domsitz said. “He can break a play any time. He’s got the speed. He’s a strong kid. He’s a big kid. I think people got a pretty good idea of why he’s highly thought of.”
Hicks helped Alter (1-2) avoid its first 0-3 start in this century. The Knights started the season with a 42-32 loss at Clinton-Massie and then fell 14-12 to Badin at Roush Stadium.
“We most definitely needed this win,” McDonald said. “We had to make a lot of adjustments. Due to (the COVID-19 crisis), we didn’t have much practice. We only had one scrimmage. Those first two, they were both close. We just made a lot of mistakes.”
Alter will play Carroll, McNicholas and Chaminade Julienne in the second half of the season.
“It’s hard to believe," McDonald said. “I’m kind of sad. I’m already halfway through my senior year, but we’re just going to keep pushing through.”
This was only the second game for Fenwick, who had its season opener against Edgewood cancelled because of a positive COVID-19 test at the high school. The Falcons lost 30-6 at McNicholas in Week 2 and trailed from start to finish against Alter.
Fenwick’s only highlights came in the first half. Listermann threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jude Hooks to cut the deficit to 7-6. Hooks caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Listermann with 1:28 left in the half. Alter led 36-12 at halftime.
Alter quarterback Brian Shane was responsible for three touchdowns. He scored on a 54-yard run to give Alter a 14-6 lead in the first quarter. He threw a 30-yard touchdown to Patrick Connor on 4th-and-10 to give Alter a 28-6 lead in the second quarter. He then threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Connor in the third quarter.
Alter also scored on a 2-yard touchdown run by McDonald in the second quarter and a 25-yard touchdown run by Jacob Schaefer in the fourth.
This was Alter’s third victory in the last four games in the series. Fenwick beat Alter 26-14 in 2019 after losing the three previous matchups by double digits.
“I think it was big,” Domsitz said. “Last week, after the 14-12 loss, I told them we have to build on that. I’m not one of those guys who find too many silver linings in losses, but we did look better last week. We just had to take it up another notch. The kids did.”
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