By Bobby Narang- Phptos by Kathy Jones
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NEW LENOX – The first few minutes of Sunday’s game didn’t bode well for the Orland Park Pioneers.
Playing in their final regular season game against the Lincoln-Way Central Knights in a Super Lightweights football game on Sunday morning, the Pioneers had a rough start.
The Pioneers’ first drive of the game resulted in a three-play drive with minus-four yards and a punt to the Knights.
“We didn’t have a very good start at all,” Orland Park coach Pat Richardson said.
But that was the extent of the Pioneers’ rough morning.
After the first drive, the Pioneers scored a touchdown on their next two possessions to cruise to a 26-0 victory in a River Valley Youth Football League game at Lincoln-Way Central High School. The Pioneers (6-2) enter the playoffs needing two more wins to earn a spot in the Super Bowl.
Orland Park coach Pat Richardson was full of pride following the spirited all-around victory.
“This was a heck of a way to end the regular season,” Richardson said. “We had a full complete game going into the playoffs. It was an awesome way for these kids to get a big win and I’m super proud of our team from top to bottom throughout the regular season. The improvement has been off the charts, and I love our group of kids.”
The Pioneers wrapped up the regular season in style, getting a strong effort from all three phases to build some momentum at the right time of the season. The Pioneers’ rushing game overpowered the Knights, in part due to a stellar effort from the offensive line, which opened up big holes and held their blocks strong to not allow any penetration.
Also, the defensive line made things difficult for Lincoln-Way Central offense. They were fast and physical, holding the Knights scoreless in the tough game.
Orland Park offensive/defensive lineman Ellis Hubbard was a big-time contributor on both lines to spark the victory.
“It was a tough game because they had a good line, so it was hard to get back that first level to get the quarterback and running backs,” Hubbard said. “It was hard to tackle the quarterback. He was really, really fast, but once we were able to get that first level of the offensive line, it was easier. I just tried to hit the holes, so I could make tackles.”
Orland Park two-way star Michael O’Connor was a human highlight film on Sunday. O’Connor was the main attraction on offense and defense, setting the tone with several long runs and numerous key tackles to lead his team to a shutout victory.
A shifty and strong runner, O’Connor dazzled on the turf. He set the tone for a big game with a 28-yard burst on his first rushing attempt. On his second carry, O’Connor busted loose for an 18-yard touchdown. Two carries later, he added a 31-yard touchdown scamper to push the Pioneers’ lead to 13-0 with 9:32 left in the second quarter.
“I was feeling pretty good before our game today,” O’Connor said. “On offense, we were talking about in our practices and doing our plays good. We did that today. Our first couple of drives, we struggled a little bit but we came back and responded. I really liked our plays today. It was a pretty good game for our team.”
For the game, O’Connor ran the ball seven times for an eye-popping 133 yards and three touchdowns, ending his big day with a 10-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter. But O’Connor also contributed on defense and special teams. He opened the third quarter with a nifty punt return, while also stopping a Lincoln-Way Central scoring threat with two key stops on their third drive. The Knights struggled moving the ball all game against Orland Park’s fast and flying defense, finishing with just 10 yards of total offense in the second half.
“It was a great job by the team,” Richardson said. “We stressed covering the outsides because we knew they were going to want to throw it. Our cornerbacks played great. Our linebackers were flying all over the place. When our defensive line is getting a push, they are tough to beat. Our offensive line did a great job. This is probably their best job blocking all season as a group. When we get our running backs going, it’s a tough assignment for any team.”
Another one of the stars in the game for the Pioneers turned out to two-way player Jason Erwin. On offense, Erwin delighted the Pioneers’ fans with six carries for 66 yards, including a highlight-reel 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the visitors a 20-0 cushion.
Erwin’s scoring run uplifted his teammates, as he sprinted along the sidelines toward the end zone. In the first half, Erwin had four rushing attempts for 14 yards, but he broke loose in the second half to spark the turnaround. Showing off his speed and moves, Erwin sealed the victory with a five-yard run on fourth down in the second half on a drive that ended with O’Connor scoring a 10-yard touchdown.
“I was feeling good,” Erwin said of his TD. “I liked how I played on offense because I ran hard. It was a good game.”
In the fifth quarter game, the Pioneers came out strong and played with great energy, getting several key contributions to give the team some energy heading into the next game.
“It felt good to score a running touchdown,” Blake Nance said. “It was really fun. It’s my first touchdown. I had wide open space to run the ball and I just ran hard and fast.”
Jordy Kolodzieg added to his big season with a touchdown in the fifth quarter game.
“It was fun to score a touchdown,” Kolodziej said. “It felt good. I scored on a long run.”
The Orland Park Pioneers played a great game in every quarter, receiving contributions from the entire roster, including Peyton Barbee, Jaweed Abuzir, Aaron McCarthy, Nathan Abbs, Keith Piekarz, Thomas Sutter, Jack DuBois, Taylan Morandi, Moody Janet, Luke Bosack, Sean Kikilas, Zachariah Ballouta, Wyatt Kipper, Vito Cangelosi, Seth Cobbs, Ellis Hubbard, Michael O’Connor, Dominic Sophia, Jackson Biskup, Jason Erwin, Zakariyeh Jaber, Alex Kopec, CJ Hufford, Christopher Medina, Jr., Shane Sternberg, Arun Mallavarapu, Brooks Foster, Gavin Garrett, Tyler Wilkie, Arthur Slabenak, Anthony LaPapa, Blake Nance, Dean Kassel, Laith Hammami, Jonathan Mizera, Dominic Gabriele, Jordy Kolodziej, Jimmy Elsberg, Connor Kvelland, Thomas Richardson, Logan Cohen, Dominic Maurella and Adam Krokos.
