By Francisco Avila- Photos by Renee Kaspar
** Additional Photos at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p381547570 **
TINLEY PARK — Teams can practice, prepare, and study an opponent throughout the week, but game day can bring challenges that are difficult to anticipate. The Orland Park Pioneers Lightweight Red entered their second-round River Valley Youth Football League playoff matchup against the Tinley Park Bulldogs at Tinley Park prepared for the challenge, but ultimately fell 13-0.
Head coach Dan Kolodziej discussed the team’s preparation while reflecting on how the game unfolded differently than expected.
“We thought we were gonna run this game. We knew what they were coming with, we knew the formations, we planned for it. Then, on that last drive when they scored that first touchdown, they were just moving the ball on us. Then they sealed it with the extra point, and to go back and score another one kind of really hurt.”
The Pioneers opened with the ball, as Gavin Garrity led the offense and worked with Sean Kikilas and Taylon Morandi to gain yardage.
As the first quarter progressed, the Pioneers continued moving the ball and picked up a first down on a run by Garrity.
With the opening quarter winding down, the Pioneers moved closer to the end zone and looked to create a scoring opportunity. However, a fumble recovered by the Bulldogs ended the possession.
Despite the turnover, the Pioneers responded defensively. Jude Atieh, Garrity, and Sean Johnson delivered key tackles to help keep the game scoreless till the end of the first quarter.
The Bulldogs opened the second quarter with possession and began gaining yardage, but the Pioneers remained composed as the Bulldogs moved down the field.
Atieh and Arthur Slabenack helped anchor the defense with important tackles, eventually forcing a turnover on downs.
The Pioneers then returned to offense, with Garrity again working alongside Kikilas and Morandi to move the ball.
Morandi explained how he finds running lanes and looks to capitalize on opportunities created by his teammates.
“When Gavin hands off the ball, I go to my hole, and if I see an open hole, I run through that hole and make a cut to try to get to the end zone.”
Despite their efforts to advance, the Pioneers were unable to convert and forced to turn the ball over on downs.
As the end of the first half was gaining near, the Pioneers looked to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard heading into halftime. The defense answered with tackles from Garrity, Morandi, CJ Hufford, and Mahmoud Abu Alshaikh to preserve the scoreless tie.
At halftime, Kolodziej praised the team’s opening performance while pointing to
a costly mistake that interrupted an otherwise productive first half.
“The first half went great. Gavin Garrity and Sean Kikilas were running hard. We said we planned for what they were coming with, and we knew the defensive formation. We planned for both of them. We were pounding up the middle and had a nice long drive, especially in that first quarter. Then a bonehead mistake with a fumble turned it over, but the way we started the game, I’m sure we’re gonna keep this momentum going.”
The Pioneers opened the second half on defense and continued to make life difficult for the Bulldogs.
As the third quarter progressed, Kikilas, Shane Sternberg, Johnson, and Slabenack contributed tackles to force a Bulldogs punt.
Garrity then looked to get the offense moving again, combining with Morandi and Kikilas to gain yardage. However, after several attempts, the Bulldogs’ defense held firm and forced the Pioneers to punt.
Kikilas credited his teammates for creating opportunities with their blocking.
“Everybody, Taylon and Jordy Kolodziej, everybody was making good blocks for some of those big runs.”
Morandi, Kikilas, Hufford, and Atieh continued contributing defensively, helping keep the game scoreless as the teams headed into the fourth quarter.
The Pioneers remained on defense to begin the final quarter, with Kikilas and Henry Wade setting the tone with key tackles.
As the quarter progressed, Morandi and Garrity continued making stops, but the Bulldogs eventually broke through. Tinley Park scored on a 2-yard touchdown run and converted the extra point to take a 7-0 lead.
Looking to respond, Garrity attempted several runs of his own while also working with Kikilas to move the ball. The Bulldogs, however, kept the offense back and forced another punt.
With the game winding down, the Pioneers looked to hold their ground defensively, but the Bulldogs found the end zone again on a quick handoff that resulted in a 41-yard touchdown and a 13-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs attempted another extra point, but the Pioneers reacted quickly and stopped the conversion.
Kolodziej explained the defensive approach that helped prevent the Bulldogs from adding another point.
“We put everybody up in the middle because that’s what they’ve been running that entire drive. Everything was basically up the middle. So we sent the whole house, and we were able to stop them.”
The Pioneers were unable to mount a comeback, bringing their playoff run to an end with the 13-0 loss.
Despite the result, Kolodziej emphasized the progress the team made throughout the season and expressed excitement about what lies ahead.
“I know I’ve said it multiple times every week, but these kids just showed how much heart they have. We didn’t know what to expect this season, and making the second round of the playoffs with this group has been fantastic. I’m looking forward to those boys continuing to grow. It seems like everyone wants to come back next year, so I feel the coaches did their job of teaching these kids the right way, being football players as well as people.”
The Pioneers also participated in fifth-quarter action, giving several players valuable experience and opportunities to make plays on both sides of the ball.
On defense, Nicholas Lang delivered several tackles and recorded an interception. He explained the play and how he adjusted after moving to a different position.
“So I’ve always liked playing cornerback, getting interceptions. I got moved to outside linebacker, and I just jumped up for the ball for my third interception of the season.”
The Pioneers also received contributions from Mahmoud Abu Alshaikh, Royal Ward, Nicholas Vuolo, Anthony Lang, Ethan Brandofino, MJ Groark, Zacharia Nofal, CJ Hufford, Bennett Kersten, Henry Simons, Taym Nofal, Austin D’Andrea, Jonathan Mizera, William Sraga, Nathan Schultz, William Jordan, Thomas McCann, Luke McDoniel, Paul Rylan Davies, Yazen Nijem, and Amir Haddad.
The Lightweight Pioneers cheerleaders showcased their skills at halftime and supported the team throughout the game. The cheerleaders included Scarlett Sternberg, Kara O’Meara, Kennedy Krokos, Stella Bristow, Emerson Schweikert, Eleanor Koehn, Elena Schmaling, Isla Zelensek, Lucy Bohanek, Zoey France, Savannah Molina, Aleena Badwan, Vera Joda, Normandy Golden, Hazel Nichols, Mia Mizera, Maevry Harmatys, Mila Schweikert, Tessa Dunmore, Tessa Basek, Siena Lang, Callie Juarez-Radovanovic, Alaina Holoubek, Sadie Griffin, Lea Barbee, Ava Kolodziej, Eva Aubin, Sofie Annerino, Hailey Valan, Grace Poore, Eloise Sarhage, Anderson Foster, Meghan Shilney, Lillian Fudala, Rosie VanRaden, and Giana Santos.
