Lyons 42
Addison Trail 14
The Lyons Township football team can score a lot of points and often in bunches. An even scarier thought is the Lions are starting to score on both sides of the ball as shown during their 42-14 win over Addison Trail.
Lyons also scored a defensive touchdown in their home opener against Plainfield Central.
Note to West Suburban (Silver) Conference upcoming opponents: be ready for 48 minutes of fast break football against the surging Lions (2-0), who are averaging 40 points per game.
“We have shown we have quick strike ability,” LT coach Kurt Weinberg said. “In both games this season we have been fortunate to score points from our defense as well. Our specials teams are also playing great.”
Lyons (2-0) caused five turnovers against Addison Trail, the most notable theft coming on Mike Thomas’ 41-yard interception return for a touchdown which extended the Lions’ lead to 28-6 in the second quarter. The host Blazers had four fumbles – two forced by the ballhawking Thomas. Jake Newman, Corey Jefco, David Suominen and John King all collected fumble recoveries for the opportunistic Lions.
“We have good speed on defense,” Weinberg said. “Our guys can really get to the ball and use their athleticism. We’re also playing with a lot of passion and intensity which is always good.”
Offensively, LT has been every bit impressive in the early stages of this season. Like his predecessor Ryan Mitchell, the Lions’ new starting quarterback Brian Kelly has adapted to Weinberg’s wide spread system seamlessly.
The strong-armed Kelly connected with Matt Harris on a 71-yard touchdown pass on the LT’s second play from scrimmage. Kelly completed 4-of-8 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in the air, while also rushing for 77 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries. He scored on a one-yard push, a pair of two-yard runs and a 53-yard burst into the end zone during the second quarter which extended the Lions’ lead to 35-14. Kelly closed the LT scoring barrage with a two-yard run to make the score 42-14 with 10:35 left in the game.
Junior running back Jaime Jones ran 13 times for 91 yards. Weinberg also praised the work of LT kicker Matt Cotiguala, who has had a major impact with his long kickoffs and solid PAT/field goal game this season. Other key contributors have emerged all over the field like Mark Sewall, Tom Callahan, Blaise Davis, Chris Klotz, Mike Harper, Joe Gonzalez and the sensational sophomore Harris.
Lyons has a pair of important conference games at home over the next two weeks, this Friday (7:30 p.m.) against Downers Grove North followed by a showdown with area rival Hinsdale Central on Sept. 17 (7:30 p.m.).
