Unbeaten Lemont Eyes Conference Crown

With the task of qualifying for the Illinois High School Association football playoffs accomplished, Lemont seek to tackle another task, winning the South Suburban Blue Conference.

This task continues at 7 p.m. Friday, when the unbeaten Indians (7-0, 4-0) travel to Calumet City to take on the Thornton Fractional North Meteors (5-2, 3-2).

Fans unable to attend the game can watch the game live by going to the website (www.lhs210.net). Navigate to the "Athletics" section and then open the tab watch live event.

A win over the Meteors would accomplish the Indians' goal of a league title.

“Making the playoffs is always a first goal for our team — always has been,” said Lemont coach Eric Michaelsen, who watched his team hand Hillcrest a 56-6 defeat last week. “(We want) to win the conference championship. That is our current focus"

The Meteors, coached by Artie Rogers, are coming off a 30-20 win over Bremen to be playoff eligible with their fifth victory, and are one win away from securing a playoff spot. 

“Six (victories) are a guarantee,” Rogers said. “We can’t be comfortable until we get win number six. Lemont is loaded with talent and are very physical, so it will be a great challenge for us to compete with them. 

"They have been at the top of the conference, and that is where we aspire to be.”

Indians quarterback Zach Brosseau and running back Mitch Balek (11 carries for 127 yards) each had two touchdown runs in the win against Hillcrest, which saw Lemont build a 28-0 first quarter lead thanks to its strong running game. Christos Giatras (five carries for 104 yards), Eric Kirkman, Mike Anzalone and Brosseau all rushed for first period scores.

Stephen Tate also scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring. Developing the depth of the running backs behind their strong offensive line has served the Indians well this season.

“We have confidence in our running backs,” Michaelsen said. “Each (one) has the ability to do well from week to week.”

“Lemont’s running game is where they make their money,” Rogers said. “We need to play as physical as possible and be as disciplined as we can.”

The offense had four fumbles, two of which were turned over to Hillcrest.

“We turned the ball over too much last week, so a big emphasis this week in practice has been ball security,” Michaelsen said. “We always need to work on our tackling.”

Lemont’s defense made up for any offensive miscues and took the ball away from Hillcrest four times with three interceptions (Jake Lemming with two, Kyle Krull one) and one fumble recovery (Connor O’Brien).

“Our ‘D’ was solid last week,” Michaelsen said.

Lemont’s defense has only given up 32 points this season and posted four shutouts. If there were any unsung players on the defense, Michaelsen said they would be defensive linemen John Tomala, Sebastian Koziel, Andrew Manganiello, Arnas Laurinaitis, Justin Lulek and Mike Devitt.

The Indians also recorded four sacks. Brad Uher had two and Krull and Manganiello each had one.

“Thornton Fractional North has special skill players,” Michaelsen said. “Claude Garrett, Devonte Stevenson, LeByron Collins, Nikita Smith Jr. and Adam Combs are all outstanding. Their quarterback (Dion Beecham) does a nice job running their offense.

"Specials are also great. Last week, they recovered three onside kicks. They will do anything at anytime from blitzing on ‘D,’ to gadget plays on ‘O.'”

Rogers said his team "will try anything that can give them a chance to compete.”

The Meteors have had their share of injuries. The most significant happened in Week 4 when quarterback Calvin Lindsey went down. Beecham stepped up and filled his role.

“We have been dealing with multiple injuries and have lost some key players this season,” Rogers said. “I am sure no one is feeling sorry for us. So, we need the next player in to compete.”

Michaelsen is preparing the team for possible onside kicks. They were the key in T.F. North’s win last week, he said. 

“(Our) special teams have been OK,” Michaelsen said. “We are still trying to improve in that area. (Kicker) Josh Young had a solid game last week.”

Michaelsen also feels the team improved in the penalty department last week, being flagged just twice for 20 yards.

“We are currently 5-2 and are looking to finish the season on a strong note,” Rogers said.

The Meteors will first have to get past a strong, determined Lemont team, which wants to do the same.