Lemont Expects Tough Test Against Richards

’s varsity football team is looking for its third consecutive shutout victory to start the 2011 campaign. Standing in the Indians’ way this week is Oak Lawn Richards, which enters Friday’s 7 p.m. contest at with a 1-1 record.

The crossover clash between the two South Suburban Conference teams — from the Blue and Richards from the Red — will be aired as the Comcast Game of The Week on Comcast 100 at noon Saturday and replayed at 7 p.m. Monday.

(2-0) has started the season with dominating wins over Chicago Little Village (54-0) and Riverside-Brookfield (49-0), and that the visiting Bulldogs have come up with losses in the teams’ last two meetings (43-0 in 2008, 30-20 in 2010) has plenty of thoughts going through Richards coach Anthony Sheehan’s mind.

“We are concerned about their whole team to be honest,” Sheehan said. “They are so well-coached and disciplined that everyone concerns me. (Running back Mike) Anzalone is a good, hard-nosed runner, and that huge line, led by (left tackle Anthony) Pocic is a big concern. The defense is always in the right position and (linebacker Kyle) Krull leads them. He is their engine.”

“Richards is a traditional power house — well-coached with excellent athletes — this will be, by far, our toughest game so far,” coach Eric Michaelsen said.

One of the big keys for has been the defense forcing turnovers and getting the offense good field position. The Indians, who return eight starters on defense, have collected four interceptions, two fumbles and three sacks in two games.

“The defense has played well,” Michaelsen said. “They have followed their assignments, flown to the ball and caused some turnovers. (The) short field helps a ton. It is difficult for many high school teams to sustain long drives without making mistakes. Turnovers are huge — momentum killers — football is a game of momentum.”

The Indians, behind the offensive line of Pocic, Travis Layer (left guard), Nick Runnfeldt (center), Tim McAuliffe (right guard) and Carl Chanda (right tackle), run the ball with force and down the throats of opponents. It is not Anzalone alone who does the damage: The Indians have a stable of running backs who can hurt any opponent. Anzalone leads the way with 16 carries for 188 yards and one score, followed by Mitch Balek (14 for 129, 2 TDs), Christos Giatras (12 for 104, 3 TDs), Eric Kirkman (10 for 48, 3 TDs) and Jacob Ricks (6 for 56, 1 TD).

passes just enough to make the other team honest. Starter Damon Aleman is 5 of 10 for 90 yards for one touchdown, while backup Zach Brosseau is 5 of 7 for 87 yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Jay (four catches, 77 yards, three touchdowns) and Drew Slee (three catches, 34 yards) lead in receptions.

Sheehan saw his young Bulldogs, who returned just three starters from last season, start the season with a 28-6 triumph over Chicago Harlan. Last week, two fourth-quarter touchdowns by Brian Hettiger and Darrow Traylor got Richards on the board against Morris in a 28-16 contest.

Richards is led by sophomore quarterback Tommy Mister, who leads the team in passing (12 of 24 for 130 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions) and rushing (30 rushes, 152 yards). Senior Marcus Smith has 22 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Leading receivers are Davonta Corner (six catches, 64 yards) and R.J. Balsan (four catches, 63 yards and one touchdown).

“(Their) quarterback is the key,” Michaelsen said.

A long punt return opened the scoring for in last season’s game, so Sheehan knows his special teams are going to have to be sharp and the Bulldogs will need to hold possession of the ball.

“We need to not turn the ball over and come out with intensity and passion,” Sheehan said. “Last year, we were in the ballgame, but a punt return for touchdown and an onside kick killed us. We cannot have those breakdowns this year. The season so far has been frustrating. We have great kids, but we need them to grow up fast. We are playing the toughest part of our schedule and we are making too many physical and mental mistakes. The kids play hard.

“I expect a hard, tough fight between two great programs.”