By Francisco Avila- Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill
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ORLAND PARK — A tough result, a one play difference is always a difficult result. You]re so close , you start thinking if only this…if only that… that is what the Super Lightweight Pioneers had to deal with after falling 6-0 to the Frankfort Square Wildcats’
Despite the loss, Super Lightweight Pioneers head coach Paul Bertucci saw plenty of positives from his team’s during their Wednesday Night Football League debut, particularly the improvements they made following a difficult season opener in the River Valley Youth Football League last Sunday.
“I think they have improved. We had a really tough game against a really good team. We held in there outside of one play. I think we got some things to clean up on offense, but I think we did really well.”
The Pioneers showed flashes of defensive toughness throughout the game, consistently making stops and limiting the Wildcats’ opportunities. Offensively, the Pioneers struggled to find the end zone despite several promising possessions.
Early in the first half, the Pioneers’ defense came out with physicality, with Oliver Skware and Zakariya Jaber recording strong tackles.
After the Wildcats recovered a fumble, their offense was unable to move the chains and eventually turned the ball over, giving the Pioneers their first opportunity on offense.
The Pioneers looked to create plays through combinations between Ben Poore and Jax Thomas, but they struggled to consistently break through the Wildcats’ defensive front.
Thomas continued to use his speed and football instincts to find running lanes, but the Wildcats’ defense repeatedly closed those gaps before he could reach the end zone.
Pioneers offensive coordinator Tony LaPapa praised Thomas for his physical running style and contributions on both sides of the ball.
“Jax is an extremely powerful, extremely hard runner, downhill runner. That’s why we have him where we want him, because he’s so powerful and he’ll blow somebody up, which he did. Also on defense, he had a hell of a job as well.”
Midway through the half, the Pioneers’ defense created another major opportunity when Poore recovered a Wildcats fumble.
“My fumble recovery in the first half was really fun, and then we received the ball, and then we did well on all things,” Poore said.
Following the turnover, Thomas continued looking for an opening as the Pioneers attempted to generate offensive momentum. However, the Wildcats continued to frustrate the Pioneers’ attack.
While the offense searched for an answer, the defense remained firm, with Benjamin Ally making several important tackles.
With four minutes remaining in the half, however, the Wildcats finally broke through. A 48-yard touchdown gave Frankfurt Square a 6-0 lead.
The Wildcats attempted the extra point, but a bad snap allowed Jibreel Morrar to make a crucial defensive play. Morrar recovered the loose ball to prevent the extra point and keep the Pioneers within one score heading into halftime.
LaPapa highlighted Morrar’s impact on the play and his potential on both sides of the ball.
“That was great. Jibreel is a hell of a player. He just turned seven years old, and he’s a little guy, but he packs a huge punch. So we need to give Jibreel more on our running plays, and also he lights out on defense. He’s a beast. He has a great nose for that football.”
Coach Bertucci also reflected on the Pioneers’ first-half defensive performance.
“Yeah, the first half I thought we did really well outside of the one play where they scored a touchdown. I mean our defense did great, and we got to get a little bit better on offense.”
The Pioneers opened the second half on offense, looking to find a way back into the game. However, an early fumble ended the possession and gave the Wildcats the ball.
Max Kalker then made several strong tackles as the Pioneers attempted to regain momentum. Another offensive possession ultimately ended in a turnover, sending the Pioneers’ defense back onto the field.
Abdallah Hasan and Jaber responded with key tackles, helping force the Wildcats to punt and giving the Pioneers another opportunity with the ball.
With seven minutes remaining, Thomas and Kalker looked to generate offense with runs involving Poore, but the Wildcats continued to close down the running lanes and eventually forced another turnover.
With two minutes remaining, the Pioneers’ defense continued to battle, searching for one final opportunity to give the offense a chance to tie the game.
Thomas carried his offensive effort over to the defensive side of the ball with a big tackle.
Then, with one minute remaining, Hasan came up with a huge fumble recovery, giving the Pioneers one final opportunity to get back on the scoreboard.
Thomas and Nicholas Smurzynski looked to find running room during the final possession, but the Wildcats’ defense held firm.
When the final whistle sounded, the Pioneers fell 6-0 to the Wildcats.
Several players contributed including Jack Bertucci, Elias Joda, Matthew O’Shea, Stanley Bielawski, Lakye Peniche, Karter Pipkin, Logan Biskup, Ryker Tyrakowski, John Ordman, Anthony Comiskey, Kirk Valach, Suhaib Ballouta, Lachlan Glassner, Liam McNulty, Liam Serafin, Mahmoud Hinnawi, Dominic Dronzek, Hudson Glassner, Vinny LaPapa, Kenan Ballouta, Jamal Jebreal, Shane McDermott, Tyler Duchovitz and Michael Maurella.
