Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • EVENTS
  • Toggle search form
  • Vehicle crashes into Orland Park Post Office on 114th Place.
    Car crashes into Orland Park post Office accident
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    CLE at Leving firm to focus on conflicts of interest in family law cases Jeffery Leving
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program Frankfort
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund Blogger
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted its 22nd annual commemoration to honor and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony at the Fire District
    Orland Firefighters host commemoration to remember victims of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Events
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels Business
  • Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade
    Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade Culture
  • Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, 15th Ward, champions rights of Chicago residents
    Ray Lopez leads and champions rights of Chicago residents Chicago
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month Features
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Big franchise restaurants have turned a “tip” into corporate welfare Blogger
  • Photo courtesy of PRIMETIME Sports and SeatGeek Stadium
    SeatGeek features competition between Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club Leon on Saturday Sept. 9 News
  • Veteran Diana Howard addresses a disrespectful Village of Orland Park Village Board meeting on August 21, 2023. She was viciously attacked in Mayor Pekau's eNewsletter
    Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor Blogger
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dads’ Rights Victory: In battle of aunts, our client gains time with orphaned niece Blogger
  • Village representatives, led by Mayor Chris Getty, met at 7905 Ogden Avenue on Friday Sept. 1 for the grand opening of Strive Fitness. Pictured is owner Shawn Groll and Village President Christopher Getty
    Mayor Chris Getty and Village officials celebrate opening of Strive Fitness Business
  • OFPD receive International Accredited Agency status. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District OFPD
    Orland Fire Protection District receives the nation’s highest accreditation honor Fire

Nazareth opens with a rout

Posted on November 4, 2019November 4, 2019 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Nazareth opens with a rout
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Nazareth opens with a rout

Defense and offense shine in 47-6 win  

By Steve Metsch

Nazareth’s high-powered offense has deserved the spotlight this season, often salting away victories by halftime.

But it’s time to share the spotlight.

The stifling defense often helped set up Nazareth’s explosive offense that scored six first-half touchdowns for a 47-6 trouncing of Libertyville in the Class 7A playoff opener at La Grange Park.

Junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy tossed four touchdowns. Sophomore receiver Landon Morris scored twice.

Nazareth (10-0) will host Thornton, a 35-19 winner over Pekin, in the next round. The date and time will be announced today, Nov. 4.

Thornton may be in for a long day against Nazareth’s first-team defense that has allowed just one touchdown in the past three games.

Libertyville quarterback Blake Ellingson had little room to roam Saturday thanks to Nazareth’s swarming defense. Nazareth won its Class 7A playoff opener, 47-6. Photo by Steve Metsch.

 

Head Coach Tim Racki likes his “faceless, nameless defense. We don’t call them starters because so many kids contribute.”

The only touchdown Libertyville (5-5) scored was when junior quarterback Blake Ellingson dashed 60 yards down the sideline to open the second quarter.

But that was it.  Ellingson was scrambling all day thanks to the defensive line. Malik Poe-Roland, Kaleb Miller and Daine Hanson notched sacks.

Senior defense back Breven Reifsteck, whose fourth-quarter interception return closed the scoring, said: “Our offense is outstanding … but the saying is ‘defense wins championships’.”

“Because (Coach) Racki came from a defensive background, he emphasizes get to the ball, everyone do their job. He stresses that every day,” Reifsteck said.

“Our defensive line coach, Coach (Joe) Battaglia is really good at getting our defensive linemen in and out, depending on the situation whether they’re going to pass or we need a run stop.

“Same thing with our DBs. Our defensive coordinator, Coach (Jeff) Tumpane is really good at subbing. It’s all about keeping the fresh guys out there,” Reifsteck said.

Reifsteck is glad he and fellow defenders Alex Carrillo and Tyler Morris seldom rest: “I love hitting people. Hitting people is really fun.”

Libertyville got what it anticipated, Head Coach Mike Jones said.

“They’re a good team. We knew that coming in Unfortunately, we had a couple (missed) plays in the first half,” he said referring to two botched passes to open receiver Dylan Drumke.

“Not that it would have changed the outcome, but I think it would have made it a little more competitive.”

Racki was “very happy with our execution,” notably a strong running game led by Derrick Strongs, Jr., who opened the scoring with a 68-yard run on Nazareth’s first play from scrimmage.

On Libertyville’s next possession, Carrillo intercepted a pass at Nazareth’s 33-yard line. After he ran for 14-yards and McCarthy for 11, Strongs ran for 36 yards to put the ball at the 6.

Receiver Tanner Koziol (right) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrate a touchdown that gave Nazareth a 21-0 lead. McCarthy threw four TD passes. Photo by Steve Metsch.

McCarthy zipped a pass to Tyler Morris for a 14-0 lead. The next possession resulted in a 12-yard TD pass to Tanner Koziol. Both were into gusty winds.

“The high-level velocity he has, it doesn’t matter if he’s throwing into the wind,” Racki said. “J.J. was on fire again. What a shocker.”

Racki praised Landon Morris, whose blocks, “those hidden things you don’t see,” opened lanes for receivers: “That’s why I’m glad to see him get those (touchdown) passes.”

The 6-foot-6 Morris, scored on touchdown passes of 19 and 9 yards in the second quarter.He had transferred to Nazareth from Indiana before the season began after his father’s job moved. He feels at home.

“I had a couple football camps with J.J. (McCarthy) and Ty (Morris) so I got to know them,” he said. “We’ve been improving all year. It’s just one step closer to greatness.”

Jones would not be surprised to see the Roadrunners repeat as state champ: “Nazareth is going to be a tough out.”

Always nervous before a playoff opener, Racki winced: “You don’t want kids looking ahead or thinking it’s going to be a layup.”

Slam-dunks? He’s okay with those.

Desplaines Valley News

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ - August 10, 2023
  • Weathering personal storms - July 20, 2023
  • Countryside solution irks some - July 20, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Class 7A playoffs, Coach Tim Racki, J.J. McCarthy, Libertyville, Nazareth football

Post navigation

Previous Post: Reactions to the U.S. House Impeachment legislation
Next Post: USS Gabrielle Giffords sailors prepare food

Related Posts

  • Thirteen talented seniors have been chosen to compete for the title of 2021 Orland Township Senior American Idol! Join Supervisor Paul O’Grady and the Board of Trustees for an evening of dinner, dancing, and jaw-dropping performances this October. Photo courtesy of Orland Township
    Orland Township’s Senior American Idol Returning This Fall Baby Boomers
  • Lyons Mayor Chris Getty. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Lyons planting trees News
  • Original Pancake House News
  • Circus elephants banned Government
  • Officials at Orland Township wear face masks to help protect the residents of the community and they encourage the public to wear face masks. Photo courtesy of Orland Township
    2021 Orland Township Board Swearing-In Ceremony Cook County
  • Lowest gasoline prices in years. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Mayor Emanuel’s disregard for the best interests of taxpayers Blogger

More Related Articles

N95 Hospital quality coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic face mask. Home care healthcare in COVID-19 pandemic coronavirus
Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum breaking news
Steppenwolf’s Chicago Premiere Production of Familiar Written by Danai Gurira Directed by Danya Taymor Now Playing Through January 13, 2019 Steppenwolf’s Chicago Premiere Production of Familiar Chicago
Congressman Dan Lipinski Chicago Police and Fire Unions endorse Lipinski for re-election Chicago
Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo Reps. Robin Kelly, Rashida Tlaib, Rosa DeLauro, and Maxwell Frost Introduce Safe Storage Saves Lives Act to Reduce Firearm Deaths of Children Crime
Street gang graffiti, Chicago. Courtesy Wikipedia Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) Street Gangs not racism is Chicago’s top plague Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund
    September 15, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Big franchise restaurants have turned a “tip” into corporate welfare
    September 9, 2023
  • Veteran Diana Howard addresses a disrespectful Village of Orland Park Village Board meeting on August 21, 2023. She was viciously attacked in Mayor Pekau's eNewsletter
    Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor
    September 6, 2023
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dads’ Rights Victory: In battle of aunts, our client gains time with orphaned niece
    September 3, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Taxpayers get help finding refunds for overpayments, missed exemptions
    August 31, 2023
  • Statue of Liberty. Photo courtesy of Fabian Fauth on Unsplash
    America weakened by bullying, hatred and media hypocrisy
    August 24, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Vehicle crashes into Orland Park Post Office on 114th Place. Car crashes into Orland P... Car crashes into Orland Park post Office At approximately 1:49 PM on Thursd... posted on September 22, 2023
  • Veteran Diana Howard addresses a disrespectful Village of Orland Park Village Board meeting on August 21, 2023. She was viciously attacked in Mayor Pekau's eNewsletter Veteran Diana Howard cour... Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor By Ra... posted on September 6, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Hastings urges residents... Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program State... posted on September 18, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon Commissioner Monica Gordo... Commissioner Monica Gordon Announces Advisory Council to Address Violence P... posted on August 27, 2023
  • Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez courtesy of Twitter Chicago Aldermen set to r... Chicago Aldermen set to reestablish limits to Welcoming City Ordinance  Fol... posted on August 28, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Vehicle crashes into Orland Park Post Office on 114th Place.
    Car crashes into Orland Park post Office
    September 22, 2023
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    CLE at Leving firm to focus on conflicts of interest in family law cases
    September 19, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program
    September 18, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted its 22nd annual commemoration to honor and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 during a ceremony at the Fire District
    Orland Firefighters host commemoration to remember victims of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks
    September 13, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels
    September 13, 2023
  • Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade
    Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade
    September 13, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Orland Fire Protection District acquires 6 Stryker Xpedition Powered Stair Chairs to more easily and safely rescue victims in emergencies
    Orland Fire District utilizes new technology to increase emergency victim safety
    August 20, 2023
  • Suspect Alisa Velcu charged in Verion Store theft July 26, 2023 in Bloomington, Illinois. Mugshot supplied by the DuPage County State's Attorney
    Bond Set for Two Women Charged with Robbing Bloomingdale Verizon Wireless Store
    July 26, 2023
  • The Village of Orland Hills, Mayor Kyle Hastings State Senator Michael Hastings and Orland Township Highway Commissioner Antonio Rubino are partnering to host a Free "Shred and E-Recycling" day for families to be held Saturday August 26, 2023.
    Orland Hills to host “Shred and E-Recycling Day” Saturday August 26, 2023
    July 18, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

Events

  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols hosts Open House Sept. 30, 2023
    State Rep. Cyril Nichols hosts Open House Sept. 30, 2023
    30 Sep 23
    Ford City Shopping Mall, Chicago
  • Rubino and Hastings host Hazardous Waste Recycling Event Oct. 14
    Rubino and Hastings host Hazardous Waste Recycling Event Oct. 14
    14 Oct 23
    Orland Park
  • United Citizens Party hosts annual Fundraiser Oct. 21, 2023
    United Citizens Party hosts annual Fundraiser Oct. 21, 2023
    21 Oct 23
    Countryside

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Photo courtesy of PRIMETIME Sports and SeatGeek Stadium
    SeatGeek features competition between Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club Leon on Saturday Sept. 9
    September 8, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    CLE at Leving firm to focus on conflicts of interest in family law cases
    September 19, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program
    September 18, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels
    September 13, 2023
  • Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade
    Cicero celebrates Mexican Independence with festivities and parade
    September 13, 2023
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month
    September 11, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels
    September 13, 2023
  • Village representatives, led by Mayor Chris Getty, met at 7905 Ogden Avenue on Friday Sept. 1 for the grand opening of Strive Fitness. Pictured is owner Shawn Groll and Village President Christopher Getty
    Mayor Chris Getty and Village officials celebrate opening of Strive Fitness
    September 1, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Financial ratings agency raises rating for Lyons Township Government
    August 25, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Measure by State Senator Michael Hastings to secure the South Suburban Airport now law
    July 28, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme