By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. Charles is off to a quick start under new Coach Jonathan Hernandez.

After going on the road and defeating Ascension Catholic 47-25 on Monday, the Comets made an impressive home debut on Wednesday by downing Hannan, 42-12.

Austin Martin led the way for the Comets at Ascension Catholic (0-2) with 24 points. Gabe Corchiani added eight for the St. Charles (2-0).

St. Charles had struggled at times in the preseason scrimmages and jamboree in turning the ball over. Monday, it was a non-issue – the Comets only had seven turnovers, something Hernandez credits to his team’s focus in eliminating mistakes.

“We took care of the ball extremely well,” said Hernandez. “We were turning the ball over 16, 17 times in the scrimmages and the jamboree. We drilled that at practice. I was really impressed.”

Wednesday, the Comets dispatched Hannan (0-1) with little trouble. Birch Matus led the way for the Comets with 12 points, while Aaron Hampton notched eight.

The Comets now enter a series of games that should test the roster. The Comets are in the middle of a stretch of five games in six days – and St. Charles is without a number of players still active on the football team.

But the two early wins, Hernandez says, have been a major boost to the confidence of his young team.

“It’s huge for everyone confidence wise,” said Hernandez. “It’s a confidence builder for the players to be able to now know that our offensive and defensive system can work, and all the work they’ve put in is paying off.”