Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Nazareth standout to Rutgers DE Ryan Keeler relishes challenges facing him By Steve Metsch A key defensive player on Nazareth Academy’s football team is taking his talents to Rutgers University, hoping to help build that program to a level he enjoyed in high school. Ryan Keeler is slated to play defensive end for Rutgers. The…
Mount Carmel wins Class 7A Defense and running game ruin Nazareth repeat By Steve Metsch As Mount Carmel Head Coach Jordan Lynch noted Saturday night, “defense wins championships.” Boy, does it ever. The Caravan defense shut down a prolific Nazareth offense that came in averaging 44 points in the playoffs. Mount Carmel held Nazareth…
Nazareth one win away Tyler Morris scores five TDs in semifinal rout By Steve Metsch Thanksgiving morning will find Nazareth Head Coach Tim Racki, his assistants and team practicing on their football field behind the school. They don’t mind one bit. “It’s the best practice of the year,” Racki said Saturday. “You go in the…
Strongs’ four TDs lead Nazareth Defense silences Thornton in second half, 49-21 By Steve Metsch Nazareth needed four touchdowns from senior running back Derrick Strongs, Jr., – and one momentum changing sack – to silence an inspired Thornton team on Nov. 9. Host Nazareth (11-0) won the Class 7A second-round playoff game, 49-21, however the…
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…
Nazareth routs Andrew Evans plays through heartache, scores three TDs By Steve Metsch Diamond Evans was given an option by Coach Tim Racki before Nazareth’s first-round Class 7A playoff game. The star receiver’s grandfather, Wesley Ivy, died in Missouri on Friday. Racki told Evans he could grieve with his family, watch the game, play in…
Improvising pays for Nazareth Punt turned touchdown highlights 49-20 win By Steve Metsch You know it’s your night when your punter, sensing an imminent blocked kick, scampers 57 yards untouched for a touchdown. With Nazareth leading 28-7 early in the third quarter Friday night, Michael Love was set to punt from his 43-yard line. Noticing…