LT Football Continues to Roll

Following last Friday's pace-setting win over Plainfield Central High School, the Lyons Township varsity football team (2-0) kept the rhythm going with a 42-12 win over the Addison Trail Blazers (0-2) this Friday night.

The game was the home opener for Addison Trail, and fans young and old were in attendance to support. On the crisp fall evening, many Lions fans made the drive to encourage their team; parents, students, and those drawn by curiosity populated the visiting cheering section.

Sara Kaspar, a Brookfield resident, gleamed with pride as she described her role as a parent.

"I try to come to every game. We all do our best to support them, because it means so much to us as parents. Words cannot describe how proud we all are."

This positive atmosphere and a brilliant sunset set the stage for LT's first quarter momentum. The first play from scrimmage, the offense fumbled, but then roared to life with a 71-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Matthew Harris.

Only a minute later, the Lions found themselves in scoring position again. The offense moved quickly up the field to set up a two yard run for a touchdown by quarterback Brian Kelley.

Caught in a state of jittery shock after energetic defense by LT, the Blazers fumbled on their own five-yard line to give up possession. Brian Kelley continued his streak as he ran one yard for his second touchdown of the night. 21 to zero.

At this point the whole team was electrified, and Lion pride was at its peak. Players, cheerleaders, parents, even coaches were caught in a state of excitement as the offense of LT rolled. The home stands grew quiet.

The Lions' momentum was briefly halted by Addison Trail's offensive drive late in the first quarter. Taking advantage of gaps in Lyons Township's defense, a touchdown was soon acquired. The Lions retaliated with a blocked extra point.

Intensity increased in the second quarter as Addison Trail began to contest Lyons Township. The Blazers still showed signs of weakness such as a fumble, with recovery, but altogether put up more of a fight.

Soon an interruption occurred when Addison quarterback Kyle Bermingham attempted a reverse passing play. The ball was fumbled and then picked up on the run by Lions' defensive back Michael Thomas for a 42-yard touchdown run.

The Blazers scrambled for their pride as they quickly moved the ball down the field, utilizing wide receiver Delricien Smith to make key runs such as a 40-yard gain through the right seam. From the ten-yard line, right back Anthony Messina rushed 13 yards for a touchdown.

In order to put themselves within a two-possession game, Addison Trail took a risk by going for a two point conversion, which was successful and brought the game to 28-14.

Starting from their 41-yard line following the kickoff, Brian Kelly led his offense to scoring position, and counterattacked with a 53-yard run to the house, his third touchdown of the game.

The half ended 35-14, Lions.

The third quarter was stagnant, with no scoring, a host of penalties, and both teams showing signs of mental and physical fatigue.

In the dwindling seconds of the third quarter, Kelley rushed from the Lions' 40-yard line in combined runs to end up on the Blazers' 19-yard line at the end of the quarter.

Key rushes by right back Jamie Jones put Kelley in position to score his fourth and final touchdown of the evening.

 Lions fans looked on in excitement, and alumni chatted about the bright future. An ex-football player at Lyons Township, Steven Grisko of Western Springs reminisced

"This team now is completely different from my old one in '06," reminisced Steven Grisko of Western Springs, a former LT player. "The offense looks so much sharper; the change is for good."

Quarter four brought a fumble for each team, which were both recovered by LT. Steadfast offensive line skills drew the game to a close, with a final score of 42-14, LT.

"I was extremely happy with the effort in our offense tonight," said a Lyons Township assistant coach. When asked about the challenges of the upcoming conference games, he added, "It definitely gets harder, especially with Downers Grove South and Hinsdale Central on the schedule. But the goal is state. It will be exciting to see what happens next."

LT's next game is versus Downers Grove North at home on Friday, Sep. 10.