Senior quarterback Brendan McCabe and the Lyons Township football team literally passed another Class 8A playoff test Friday. McCabe threw for a single-season best three touchdowns – all in the first quarter – as the Lions won at Perspectives 55-14 behind a 28-0 first quarter.
“I think (the passing) was more of how they played us defensively,” McCabe said. “The receivers ran great routes, caught the balls and did all of the work. It was great having them make plays for me.”
LTHS (8-3), the No. 11 seed, visits No. 5 Bolingbrook (9-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 in the second round.
McCabe finished 5 for 6 passing for 103 yards with TD passes to Owen Matela (17 and 23 yards) and Lincoln DeMauro (49 yards). Zion Crockrell’s fumble recovery in the end zone put the Lions ahead 14-0. Jack Williams rushed for 147 yards, including TDs of 1 and 11 yards in the second quarter in building a 41-8 halftime advantage.
LTHS coach Jon Beutjer also was pleased with more third-down conversions and 20-yard-plus big plays and winning the turnover battle with three fumble recoveries.
“We felt like we are making less mistakes and playing more disciplined football and that’s the goal throughout the season, to continue to get better,” Beutjer said. “(McCabe) has really gotten better throughout the season. He’s really kind of bought into the position. He wants to win. He’s coachable and he’s a fierce competitor.”
McCabe continues progressing in his return to quarterback after being a varsity safety in 2025.
“There’s definitely been some learning points but great points to build off and look back on,” McCabe said. “It’s just a slow and steady grind. It’s just about getting better each and every day and being the best player you can be for the team.”
Charlie Carlisle also recovered a fumble. Tackle leaders included Jamison Miller (six), Ian Collins (five) and Charlie Lesner (four). Brady Koren, Alekxis Rodriguez, Evan Schwartz, Chase Campbell, Carlisle and Miller had tackles for loss. Caiden Kovel had a 3-yard TD run late in the third quarter after reserve quarterback Anthony Pisciotti’s 19-yard TD pass to Johnny Scimone. Both are freshmen.
“We put a bunch of sophomores and freshmen in the game. For them to get some playoff experience, that’s a big deal,” Beutjer said.
Bolingbrook, ranked No. 4 in 8A Oct. 22, has won nine straight since losing its opener 31-0 to Homewood-Flossmoor (No. 9 in 8A). The Raiders have scored at least 38 points the past six games.
“They have some really good players but our kids are excited about the opportunity. We look forward to a great week ahead of us at practice,” Beutjer said.
Nazareth football
The Roadrunners (6-5), the No. 20 seed in their half of the 6A bracket, return home to play No. 21 Simeon (6-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
Nazareth, ranked No. 8 in 6A Oct. 22, won 28-7 Saturday at No. 4-ranked and No. 4-seed Dunlap (8-2) for its fourth victory allowing one or no touchdowns.
Simeon is on a five-game winning streak with at least 28 points every victory. The Wolverines lost at Marist 44-28 in the season opener.
Girls swimming and diving
The Riverside Brookfield, Lyons Township and Nazareth Academy girls swimming and diving teams compete at the Lyons Township Sectional on Saturday, Nov. 7. Sectional event champions automatically qualify for the state meet Nov. 13-14 as well as entries that that achieve cuts at sectionals.
At the Upstate Eight Conference Meet Oct. 24, RBHS senior Paige Phelan won diving for the second straight year (365.40 points). Phelan also was the junior varsity conference champion as a sophomore.
“I am happy about winning UEC and my overall improvement since sophomore year,” Phelan said. “Even though I did win I’ve had better scoring meets, but I’m still happy with my performance. The last three 11-dive meets have stood out because I am incorporating two new dives.”
The Bulldogs were third (220 points). Senior Maggie McCoy was second in the 100-yard freestyle (56.14). Isabel Rosa (200 individual medley in 2:35.00), the 200 free relay (Lizzie Ryan, Olivia Siedlecki, Charlene Wang, McCoy in 1:48.73) and the 400 free relay (Siedlecki, McCoy, Annie Hector, Bea Ryan in 4:10.89) were third.
At the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet Oct. 23, the Lions (391.50) finished second to Hinsdale Central (411) and second in the final overall standings to the Red Devils after winning conference the previous three seasons. LTHS event winners were junior Livia Joern (100 breast stroke in 1:07.83), freshman Collins Brock (200 IM in 2:12.39) and the 200 medley relay (Brock, Joern, sophomore Tatum Fridrych, senior Claire Crimmins in 1:46.21).
Joern was the Lions’ only repeat individual Silver titlist, also winning in 2025 in 1:08.06. This time teammate Abby Thompson took second (1:08.46).
“Abby and I are usually together, finishing around the same time, so I was just happy it was one of us that won it,’ said Joern, 11th at 2025 state in the event (1:05.74). “I was only a little off my season best so it was a pretty good swim. (Conference is) just another opportunity to get a last, good in-season swim.”
Also finishing second were Tatum Fridrych in the 200 free (1:54.29) and 100 butterfly (58.05), Olivia Chavez of Brookfield (50 free in 24.86), Molly Forebaugh (500 free in 5:06.11), Crimmins (100 free in 53.34) and the 400 free relay (Fridrych, Crimmins, Forebaugh, Sydney Kail in 3:32.82). Brock tied for second in the 100 back (57.70).
Joern is among numerous Lions who earned their first state trips last season.
While she and other varsity Lions were not tapered for the Silver Meet, earlier this season they achieved state-cut times in all three relays and five individual events.
Hoping for her first state trip, Fridrych still managed some personal bests at conference.
“I was really surprised with my swims,” Fridrych said. “Conference was my big meet last year so I did really well. I’m really excited (for sectionals) but really nervous.”