Lyons 38
Plainfield C. 6
Under Lyons Township head football coach Kurt Weinberg’s diversified, explosive offensive system, the Lions have shown they can score from virtually anywhere on the field via the pass or run. During Weinberg’s first-year at LT in 2009, the Lions averaged 25 points per game.
The Lions picked up right where they left off on Friday night by cruising to a 38-6 victory against Plainfield Central at Bennett Field.
Versatile senior Mark Sewall, one of the best players in the West Suburban (Silver) Conference, expanded Weinberg’s quick strike theory to both sides of the ball. The wide receiver/defensive back accounted for two touchdowns (run, interception return). A third score off a punt return was called back due to an LT penalty.
Sewall also set up the Lions first touchdown when he returned a Plainfield Central punt 47 yards to the Wildcats’ 22. Lyons senior quarterback Brian Kelley threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Chris Klotz on the next play, staking the Lions to a 7-0 lead. Sewall struck again, this time finding the end zone himself on a 44-yard interception return with 1:19 left in the first quarter. Promising sophomore Matt Harris also broke loose for a 50-yard run just before halftime, extending the Lions’ advantage to 28-0.
The Lions’ imposing offensive line of left tackle Tom Callahan (6-5, 285), left guard Brian Pieroth (6-1, 235), center Mike Harper (6-1, 290), right guard Nick Stone (6-2, 245) and right tackle Ryan Rigo (6-6, 290) dominated the line of scrimmage in the first half.
Kelley, who took over at quarterback this season for the graduated Ryan Mitchell (University of Pennsylvania), added a 25-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. On the night, Kelley produced over 175 yards of total offense.
Lyons closed its scoring spree at 38-0 when kicker Matt Cotiguala, a Division I prospect, nailed a field goal from 35 yards out in the final quarter.
Plainfield Central quarterback Tim Blake tossed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Tim Lancor to put the Wildcats on the board at 38-7 midway through the fourth quarter.
Aside from that lone touchdown, the Wildcats were completely shut down by LT’s defense. Frank DiGioia (fumble recovery), Blaise Davis, Joe Gonzalez, Kyle Shinall, Jeremy Carlson, Corey Jefco, Mike Thomas and Will Konstant all led the swarming Lions, which didn’t allow Plainfield Central to cross midfield in the first half.
Lyons travels to Addison Trail this Friday for a West Suburban Conference crossover match-up (7:30 p.m.).