The Notre Dame Academy football team began conference play with a dominant 66-0 win over the Green Bay East Red Devils on Friday night at City Stadium.

The Tritons got the fireworks started early as Daniel Hornacek took the carry for a 40-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. This would be the first of Hornacek’s four touchdowns on the night, as he finished with 7 carries and 95 rushing yards. 

Hornacek, a senior, did not play in the spring season due to a time commitment to AAU basketball, but has jumped back into his role in the offense without skipping a beat. Through three games, he has rushed for 320 yards (fourth in the conference) and six touchdowns (first in the conference), as well as hauling in five passes for 153 yards (second in the conference) and a touchdown, on pace for over 1,400 all-purpose yards.

“I embrace the workload,” Hornacek said. “I worked really hard to be ready for this opportunity, so I am going to give it my all no matter the situation or play.”

Notre Dame is known for its solid running-back play, which Hornacek has fulfilled so far this season. They are also known for their stifling defenses over the years. Through the first two games, they left little to desire on the field. Despite forcing two turnovers against Pulaski and Bay Port, the Tritons had not forced a punt on any drive, giving up 33 points per game. On Friday night, they got back to meeting their expectations.

Braedon Curtin, a senior captain linebacker and fullback, recovered two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. That was chump change compared to the rest of the defensive numbers as the Tritons forced eight turnovers and pitched a shutout.

“Defense was our strongest unit last year so it felt good to be back to the norm,” Curtin said. 

After the tough losses in non-conference play to rivals Pulaski and Bay Port, the Tritons have now flipped the script, sitting at 1-0 in conference play and first in the FRCC-South.

“We felt like we didn’t play to our full potential in the first two weeks,” Hornacek said. “It was nice to put together a complete game in all facets of the game to get the win.”

The 66 points put up were the most points scored by the Tritons in the Rader era (since 2017) and the third 50+ point showing. The Tritons will look to build a winning streak as they face Green Bay West at home on Friday.