Pope has Lyons needing win for playoffs
Scores three TDs as Glenbard West rolls, 35-3
By Steve Metsch
Friday night’s game at Downers Grove North may be the regular-season finale, but Lyons Township senior Joey Antonietti knows better.
“We’ve got a playoff game,” he said after the Lions lost a must-win game, 35-3, at home to Glenbard West Oct. 15.
The Lions (4-4 overall, 2-3 in the West Suburban Silver) must beat Downers Grove North just to make the playoffs. Hence, his reference.
“It’s win or go home the rest of the season,” Antonietti said. “We have to prepare like it’s a playoff game and keep fighting.”
Glenbard West (7-1, 4-1) played its best football of the season in the second half, Coach Chad Hetlet said.
“Our offensive line dominated in the second half and Joey (Pope) made the most of what he had, as did (quarterback) Korey (Tai),” Hetlet said. “They are explosive kids. … Our defense played really well.”
The Hilltoppers’ stingy defense never let Lyons near the end-zone in the second half. Pope, a junior running back, scored three touchdowns. Tai added one.
Pope’s first touchdown was a 42-yard run 36 seconds into the game.
His second was a dazzling 35-yard run that saw him evade the grasp of two defenders with 7:41 left in the third.
His third came two minutes later on a 43-scoring pass from Tai.
“I had three touchdowns a couple other times this year,” Pope said. “It’s more about the team. It’s nice to have a dominating win against a good team like LT. It’s a good feeling for our team.”
Lyons coach Joan Beutjer said the Lions “were right there,” losing 7-3 at halftime.
While he was encouraged, Pope was not worried: “Our team has faced adversity before”
The turning point was an interception by senior defensive back Egan Foley of Lyons quarterback Aidan Sullivan. The pass was intended for Cullen McManaman near the Hilltoppers’ 45 yard line with 8:56 let in the third.
Foley returned the ball to Lyons’ 43-yard line. Two plays later, Pope scored for a 14-3 lead.
“They got some momentum there,” Beutjer said. “But I’m really proud of our kids because they kept fighting. … They were playing the right way”
Glenbard West certainly did.
“That’s the type of offense we are,” Pope said. “When we can limit our mistakes, when we play right, we’re a hell of a team.”
Tai scored on a 26-yard run for a 28-3 lead with 20.4 seconds left in the third. Jack Oberhofer closed the scoring with 9:30 left in the fourth.
Lyons’ attack had a new twist as Antonietti, senior Sullivan and sophomore Ryan Jackson all played quarterback.
The idea is to get the ball in the hands of the “electric” Antonietti more often as a running back and receiver, Beutjer said.
“Aidan Sullivan did a nice job tonight and we have a really special sophomore in Ryan Jackson,’ Beutjer said.
Junior kicker David Waight accounted for Lyons’ points with his 25-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Glenbard West’s sophomores won, 21-0.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
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