By Patrick McGavin-Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill
**Additional Photos are available for purchase at justallsports.zenfolio.com/2022pioneers.**
The best laid plans sometimes require a second thought, or altered approach.
The evolution takes different forms, both long term and immediate.
Quinn Durkin alters the very fabric of every game.
“We were planning on throwing the ball more today,” he said. “I guess it was a matter of basics, and doing what works.”.
Quarterback Sean Ruisz took a 10-yard sack on the first play from scrimmage.
Durkin took over.
On the next play, Durkin ran untouched down the left sideline for a glittering 60-yard touchdown.
“Quinn’s a special kid,” coach Todd Shelton said.
The hybrid talent showed off his abilities as runner, receiver and defensive standout.
“I was trying to get everybody hyped up,” he said.
“It was their homecoming, so we had to come in here and beat them.”
Durkin scored three touchdowns as the Orland Park Pioneers’ Varsity team thrashed the Tinley Park Bulldogs 36-7 in a River Valley Youth Football League game at Fulton Field on Saturday, September 17.
His three touchdowns produced 149 yards of total offense.
The Varsity (3-0) completed a four-game sweep that put a damper on the Bulldogs’ festive homecoming activities.
Here’s the rub: even when the Pioneers made mistakes, with penalties, dropped passes or giving up sacks, it did not matter.
Orland Park scored on all four first half possessions in building a commanding 30-0 lead.
Elite talent transcends the occasional mistake or breakdown.
“I feel like there’s still a lot we have to work on for our passing game,” Todd Shelton said. “I feel like our receivers have to do their jobs better. We had a couple of dropped passes.
“Just a couple of things we have to tweak. We have to tighten the screws. We’re not there yet.”
That is scary thought, the idea this iteration of the Varsity could be even better. Right now they just stream rolling teams in every phase of the game.
The only downside in an otherwise jubilant night came in the second quarter. Jordan Masino, the heart of the defense, suffered a serious foot injury at the end of his 31-yard touchdown run.
He leapt into the end zone to clear the final tackler, and landed awkwardly on his foot. He required medical attention, and had to be removed by an ambulance.
“He’s a tough kid, and he will get through it,” Durkin said.
The team honored Masino with their superb play.
Ruisz played with his usual aplomb and guile. He directed the attack brilliantly. He found receivers. He ran when plays broke down. He finished completing five of 10 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
“We may not have executed some of the plays the way we wanted, but we always come together and find ways to put some pints on the board,” Ruisz said.
“In the first half, we had some excellent drives there, and we really stuck it to them.”
The offense was dynamic and electric. The defense was smothering.
Defensive tackle Adam Danko set the tone with a six-yard tackle for loss on the Bulldogs’ opening play.
“I started the play off, but we have to give credit to the other guys,” Danko said. “I just wrapped around his leg, and the rest of the guys helped finish it.
“That just goes to the chemistry we have on this team. We have a great bond, and we talk a lot.”
Rapidly improving Kendall McDowell also continues to thrive. Athletic and skilled, he has made the leap from a second-team rotation player to a key figure as an edge rusher. He harassed the Bulldogs’ quarterback and crashed down on the line to make repeated stops of their running game.
“I worked really hard in the off-season to get to this point,” McDowell said. “I did a lot of cardio, and worked with a trainer.
“We have great chemistry on this team. If we didn’t have that ability to play together, I wouldn’t be able to do any of that.”
The stout defensive play set up the Pioneers’ second scoring drive, a beautiful 21-yard pass from Ruisz to Durkin for the 16-0 lead.
Brody Wantroba and Toddy Shelton, the coach’s son, were the other defensive standouts.
The Pioneers flow to the ball with precision and power. They rarely allowed the Bulldogs any breathing space.
Tinley Park had only one first down in the first two quarters.
“At practice, we are always getting better, getting smarter as a defense,” Wantroba said.
“Our chemistry is dominant like that. We have the muscles, and we have the speed to chase everyone down.”
Jack Clifton drilled his first three kicks to balloon the lead to 24-0.
Durkin put the finishing touches on his remarkable first half with a closing dazzling sequence that showed off his natural abilities.
The Pioneers’ final drive of the first half appeared to be one of those awkward and misplaced actions where nothing went according to plan.
Back-to-back holding calls pinned the team at their own 35-yard line, and the clock almost ran out. Durkin found the escape hatch.
Taking a swing pass from Ruisz on the right edge, he broke against the grain and picked up blocks down the left edge for the sweet and thrilling 65-yard score.
He gives the impression of being able to do anything on the field.
“It was the end of the half, and I just knew I had to do something there to make a play,” Durkin said.
“I’m just trying to go out with my full effort. It’s my last year, so we have to win it all.”
The four-touchdown lead at the half allowed the Pioneers the chance to showcase their depth and second team talent.
Running back Jad Jaber and quarterback Taylor McDoniel excelled during the Fifth Quarter action.
They also showed the ability to contribute with their strong second half play. Elusive and crafty with the ball, McDoniel was two for four passing for 31 yards. He also ran for 29 yards.
After his long touchdown pass was nullified by a penalty, Jaber ended the game with a breathtaking 60-yard touchdown run down the right sideline.
From Ruisz and Durkin to players like McDoniel and Jaber, this Varsity team is made of stern stuff.
“It’s a special group of kids,” Todd Shelton said. “They have a bond I have never seen before. Their bond is genuine.
“I don’t think they really understand the magic they have together. That’s my job to make sure they understand how special they are.”
In addition to Jaber and McDoniel, the Pioneers had other standouts during the Fifth Quarter.
Jaber ran for two touchdowns. Carson Conrad also had a long touchdown run. Matthew Durkin caught a touchdown pass from McDoniel. Zayne Salah also made a spectacular catch.
The Orland Park Pioneers Varsity had many individual standouts in the 36-7 victory. The victory was a team effort, and included the contributions of Jake Drew, Henry Selof, Devin Stefanos, Logan Kondziolka, Ethan Krueger, Cash Phillips, Barret Sigel, Nolan Rodriguez, Egan Kelly, Chase Czerwonka, Othman Mizyed, Jake Tomczak, Adam Hoak, Briggs Corona, Luke Kruszynski, Will Beeler, Mohammad Ghadban, Ibrahim Jaffal, Shafik Yasin, Rami Agha, Nolan Torgerson, David Klimaszka, Cade Koehler, Jax Arocho, Blake Wagner, Rocco McCarthy, Jake Buechele, Stephen Caxton-Idowu and Keegan Kirk.
The team was joined by the grace, style and enthusiasm of the cheerleaders. Their routines and technique helped make a memorable night. The cheerleaders were Ava Brennan, Madeline Carrier, Mia Franzese, Emery Gasa, Sophia Gasior, Ella Groark, Chloe Havens, Tayla Lovitt, Lily Masino, Audrey Mitchell, Rain Murphy, Fiona Sejud, Bella Senese, Kiera Ulaszek, Summer Vahl, Giselle Velasco, Kylee Votteler, Julia Werner and Anna Woloszyk.
