St. Laurence senior kicker Collin Bagley doesn’t lack confidence, according to Vikings coach Adam Nissen.
Nor should he, if he continues performing as he did in St. Laurence’s 17-14 win over Carmel in Week 4.
Bagley drilled a game-winning 29-yard field goal for the Vikings (4-0, 1-0) with 31 seconds to play in the CCL/ESCC White opener for both teams on Sept. 20 in Mundelein.
St. Laurence is 4-0 for the first time since 2009.
“Collin has been a nice weapon to have the last two years,” Nissen said. “You never really appreciate kickers unless you have one. I tell him every week that he’ll come into play in the next game and he’s been lights out all year.”
The coach referred to Bagley as “one of a kind.”
“When you need a good laugh, Bagley is the go-to guy,” he said. “He’s a character, and I say that with every ounce of love that I have.”
Also contributing to the victory was senior running back Harley Rizzs, who turned in another solid effort with 78 yards and two touchdowns.
“Harley’s first TD got us going,” Nissen said. “He’s a good, physical runner and he puts pressure on the defense to track him down sideline to sideline.
“He works his butt off and he’s stepped into his own the first four weeks of this season. He always wants to be better the next week.”
Tim Hyland chopped in with four carries for 43 yards for the Vikings, who rushed for 206 yards as a team.
Quarterback Chase Kwiatkowski was 4-of-9 passing for 92 yards. Danny Hyland finished with two catches for 58 yards.
After three straight wins on the road, the Vikings return home to host Leo at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27.
“This was a huge confidence-builder for us,” Nissen said. “Carmel Catholic is a very good team and that’s a tough environment to go up there and win our conference-opener on the road.”