LTHS wins home opener over Barrington 

Senior Cole Harris began a new starting defensive position Friday for the Lyons Township High School football team, switching from cornerback to inside linebacker.

“At the beginning of the game, I was pretty nervous going in, but I knew what I had to do,” Harris said. “I figured out how to pick up the speed as the game kept going and it was a lot of fun. I like the position. It’s real fun; it’s tough though.”  

Also returning as the long snapper on kicks and punts, Harris received even further work in the season and home opener against Barrington – at running back. With senior standout EJ Kuhlman and sophomore Jack Williams briefly sidelined by leg cramps in the third quarter, Harris entered and had four straight carries for 24 yards and two first downs. That was just part of the persistent and patient effort the Lions used for their 24-19 victory in Western Springs.

“Once I heard my name called (for running back), I was ready to go behind the great offensive line. We got some yards, kept the momentum going,” Harris said. “I’m giving the credit to the O line. They were making huge gaps for me and I was just running hard.”

The Lions, ranked No. 19 by MaxPreps, never trailed, scoring on the opening drive of the game and their first possession of the second half to pull ahead 21-12. 

Leading 24-12 with 7:56 remaining, they had to endure a 30-minute lightning delay and the Broncos scoring on a fourth-down, 29-yard run with 4:18 left. LTHS ran out the clock with two first downs on eight rushes. Kuhlman converted both third-and-6 carries. 

The Lions now visit No. 23 Wheaton Warrenville South (7-4 in 2025), which beat Naperville Central 27-7. Barrington was a 2025 8A quarterfinalist.

“I was proud of how we came out (scoring). I was happy with our defense with the exception of a couple of plays,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said. “A lot of good things but a lot of things we can improve on. And really happy with how some of those guys played and pushed through being tired. Some of those guys were cramping. A good win against a really good program.” 

Kuhlman rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 32 attempts behind the starting line of center Luke Vaupell, guards Liam Corrigan and Thomas Green and tackles Charlie Harrington and Edwin Martinez. Williams had 59 yards on eight carries. Senior quarterback Brendan McCabe was 4 for 7 passing for 37 yards in his first varsity start with a 6–yard TD slant pass to Aidan Angel.

The defense allowed just 98 total yards. Leading tacklers were Harris (seven) and Colman O’Sullivan. Harris, Aidan Webster, Benjamin Sosne and Brady Koren had tackles for loss. Webster and Sosne recovered fumbles that they caused.  

Harris is among team captains with Liam Corrigan, Charlie Harrington. He had added responsibilities Friday because of the lightning delay – and with the game already starting late. 

“All of the captains had to keep the team in check so we were all there and prepared to come back out and finish this game,” said Harris, who was prepared for his defensive switch similar to older brother Shane, now playing at Denison University. 

As a running back, Harris recalled roughly six carries as a backup over two games last season.

“I’m used to it because in practice I get a few reps just to stay fresh,” he said.

A returning starter on the offensive line, Harrington has switched from center in 2025. He’s now going both ways, too, playing defensive and nose tackle Friday.

“It was really fun playing both ways. Pretty tiring, but once you get to the third, fourth quarter you get used to it and you enjoy it more,” he said. “I’m excited for it. I can’t wait to do it all year. I know it’s going to be tough, I’m going to cramp but you get used to it.” 

The LTHS offense began 2026 by going 80 yards on 13 plays with Kuhlman scoring on a 3-yard run. However, the Broncos answered with a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD but missed the extra point. 

“We’ve got three new guys on the offensive line that played amazing (Viopell, Martinez, Green) so it was great to see,” Harrington said. “We’re going to be able to pound the rock and throw when we need to.” 

In the second quarter, Webster’s fumble recovery gave the Lions the ball at the Barrington 22, but they were eventually stopped on a fourth-yard run one-half yard from the end zone. However, the Lions did convert after Sosne’s fumble recovery at the Barrington 19. Angel’s TD reception just eight seconds before halftime opened a 14-6 advantage. Ian Collins’ 43–yard punt return to the 21 set up the Lions’ first possession of the third quarter. Kuhlman again scored on a 3-yard run. 

After Barrington closed to 21-12 with the extra point blocked, the Lions’ Wolfie Ketterling kicked a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The lightning delay soon stifled the Lions’ momentum. The Broncos also regained a second wind after their late TD.

“To have the satisfaction of having the last first down to end the game is such a reliving thing, especially after such a tough game. Barrington is very good,” Kuhlman said. “It’s tough to kind of come out here so late after a couple of delays but I think we were ready. We didn’t lose our spirit throughout the game. I think that’s kind of what gave us the edge.”