By Miles Toogo- Photos by Lauren Gray
** Additional Photos are Available for Purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p702736224 **
ORLAND PARK— A single point, thats it, one measly point was the difference at the conclusion of the Lightweight Blue Pioneers and the Tinley Park Bulldogs Wednesday Night Football League opener on August 26.
Many fans from both sides covered the west side stands of Schussler Park in a very comfortable atomosphere.
About to entertain the many sets of eyes were combatants from two of the winningest programs among the South-suburbs. Both the Orland Park Pioneers and the Tinley Park Bulldogs have a deep history of producing some of the areas outstanding talent, beginning as early as 6-year-olds. This football game would feature 8- and 9-year olds with some having several years experience among them.
From the first whistle, you could see this would be a nearly evenly matched game with scoring becoming difficult as each featured stellar defenses.
What you got was exactly that. Each team scored once with the difference a point after being converted by the visiting Bulldogs in the 7-6 win over the host Pioneers.
“I was very proud of these guys Today,” said Head Coach Adam Maurella. “We have to work on a few things, our defensive line penetrating through, we have to work on our tackling for sure because arm tackling just isn’t going to cut it. We absolutely have a lot of talent but we have work to do.”
“I was happy with our quick count, that worked out really well and we pursued well too. Our Go-Go offense worked well but three blocks in the back penalties after being so close to scoring really hurt. All in all, I’m really happy with these guys right now, standing their ground to the end, just really proud. I feel we will improve as the season goes on.”
The Pioneers possess a player who can make a big difference almost every time he touches the ball. Lawson Capps is their quarterback. He is a threat to score anytime he handles the ball. Lanky with gazelle speed and strides, he manages to elude pursuers often, however, he is susceptible to injuries in his running style and that played a factor in the game too, coming out due to injuries twice.
“When I got hurt and couldn’t breath, I was a litte worried about coming back in but I wasn’t hurt too bad,” said Capps. “I wanted to get back in. I think I run pretty good and do the things you’re suppose to as a quarterback but I need to cut in or cut back more. I like playing quarterback a lot especially hanging out with your team and leading them and trying to make plays so we all can win plus, I like running the plays and watching my teammates and listening to the coaches. I was very upset after one play but that was it.”
Lawson did break off a long run late in the game that most likely would have won the game but a dreaded “Block in the Back” penalty cancelled that.
The Bulldogs grabbed their only score of the game early in the contest. After driving to the Pioneers two with cut back runs and sweeps aound the ends along with arm tackling attempts by the host, they eventually executed a 2-yard dive and then added an extra point for the 7-0 lead.
With momentum from the score, the Bulldogs defense clamped down on the Pioneers, limiting them to negative yards in their first series.
The Pioneers defense responded after their punt. Not willing to give up another score, they became more aggressive and resistant and swarmed to the ball to make stops. Capps, Wren Rucinski, Joey Guest, Isiah Holmes, and Rasheed Williams Jr. all made stops to force the Bulldogs to punt.
The play of the game came at the 2:21 left in the first half. Capps took a snap at his own 7 yard-line, took a short step left then excellerated around the left edge untouched and flashed 93-yards for the Pioneers touchdown. Once zipping down the sidelines, the visitors knew he was uncatchable.
The only thing needed now was the tying point-after. It failed and left the Pioneers trailing by a point at half, 7-6.
Cade Rucinski, Holmes and Wren Rucinski each put stops on the Bulldogs just prior to half, continuing the Pioneers defensive pressure.
Although the Pioneers opened the second half offensively, they went three and out unable to gain a yard as the Bulldogs were determined to hold the lead.
The Pioneers defense also had in mind to limit the visitors success and although bending some, they too forced a turnover on downs after the Bulldogs committed a costly penalty deep in Pioneer territory.
Holmes, led the way with three solo tackles during the visitors drive. Also adding to the defensive stop tally were Luke Lawler, Moody Jaber, Cade Rucinski, William Speck and Guest with a tackle for loss of 6-yards.
The remainder of the second half saw the football in the hands of the Pioneers offense.
The first three tries for the Pioneers saw a negative two yard, one yard and a fumbled snap but on fourth down, Capps again broke free with a spectacular run, gliding past each Tinley Park defenders reach and scoring what appeared to be the go ahead touchdown from 73-yards out. The outstanding effort was called back after dropping a flag for a block in the back some 30-plus yards behind the play. A seemingly ridiculous call even though it affected the play in no way.
Needless to say, the disappointment on Capps face was clearly visible after a touchdown he thought put his team ahead only to be nullified.
The Pioneers again got close with runs by Joey Guest who found room running between the tackles, advancing the ball closer and closer to the endzone. Runs of 13- and 19-yards brought the Pioneers just six yards away but three penalties would get the Pioneers no further while Capps sat on the sidelines after being injured again.
A fourth down play from the 19-yard line ended with a sack of Holmes and gave the 7-6 closely fought victory to the Bulldogs.
Isaiah Holmes led the way for the Pioneers defense. He led the team in tackles and seemingly was around the ball often and was a big reason Tinley Park scored just once. His vision and pursuit of the ball paid off for the Pioneers defense, creating several stops in the game.
“I was tackling very good and reacted to the ball, looking to where the players were going and making tackles. I like playing defense very much because I really like tackling people and makes me stronger. I’m fast and I dont know why I’m not running the ball, I’d like to run the ball because i know I can do pretty good and help the team. I will do my best on defense too.”
Also being a big plus for the Pioneers defense was Cade Rucinski. His defensive skill set was clearly visible especially in the second half with penetration to the Bulldog backfild and coming away with several tackles himself.
“I was tackling really well because I could see where the ball ws going and I also had a lot of drinks and hydration before this game so that helped me play better. I don’t run out of stamina but I think I could have done better on my offense at blocking,” said Cade.
Although the score says the Pioneers lost, in many ways they won, certainly in how they improved from first half to second, outplaying the Bulldogs if not for big penalties. The strong effort didn’t go un-noticed and could be just the beginning of further dominant play in 2026.
other players contributing on the field and along the sidelines included Peyton Barbee, Jaweed Abuzir, Landon Lawler, Paul Bertucci, Harrison Ramirez, Quinn McCarthy, Zachariah Ballouta, Sean Mendoza, Brady Higgins, Rasheed Williams, Jr., Luke Holoubek, Lorcan Redmond, Jayden Enriquez, Paxson Leithleiter, Noah Radzikowski, Ian Frost,Luke Bosack, Johnny Waliczek, Ammar Abdelmuti, Ethan Hamideh Thomas Richardson, Amari Adigun, Dominic Maurella and Noah Hall
