HAMMOND | Munster sophomore quarterback Mark Strbjak insists he didn't have any pregame jitters before making his first career varsity start.
His play on the field certainly backed up that statement.
Strbjak threw for five touchdown passes -- all in the first half as the Times No. 4 Mustangs raced to a 62-21 win over Bishop Noll.
"It was just nice getting out there," Strbjak said. "I came out here and played with confidence, and it showed on the field. I wasn't nervous at all. I just came in and wanted to do my best."
Munster (2-0) wasted no time in going to the air, as Strbjak's pass was bobbled and corralled by receiver Justin Gill in the left corner of the end zone to put Munster up 7-0 in the first quarter.
Strbjak threw touchdown passes to three different receivers. Gill and Alex Ostoich both caught two touchdowns, while Ryan Wilkinson hauled in the other pass.
"Offensively, we played well. I was happy with the win," Munster coach Leroy Marsh said. "Strbjak played very well and distributed the ball around, and our receivers did a nice job catching it."
Noll's Scott Upshaw broke free on a simple run up the middle on fourth down, eluding several would-be Mustang tacklers and sprinted his way down the right sideline for a 44-yard touchdown to tie it up 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Upshaw would again break a long run, this time for 76 yards, as Noll (0-2) cut Munster's lead 48-14 in the fourth quarter. Upshaw totaled 178 yards on 20 carries.
But the Mustangs fired back with two more late touchdowns -- one via a 70-yard kickoff return from Ian Svoboda.
Marsh was displeased with his team's overall defensive effort. Both of Upshaw's long runs were the result of missed Mustang tackles.
"I didn't like our defensive intensity at all," he said. "But give Bishop Noll credit. We're a school four times their size and they didn't give up. Upshaw is a quality back. Give them their due. I think they'll be fine in 2A."
PREP FOOTBALL
No. 4 Munster 62, Bishop Noll 21
Justin Gill and Alex Ostoich each had two touchdown receptions.
