St. Rita quarterback Jett Hilding gains a chunk of his 66 rushing yards in the Mustangs' 42-21 win over Sandburg on Aug. 25. Photo by Jason Maholy
Football | St. Rita rides big 3rd quarter past Sandburg
By Jason Maholy
Sports Editor
Down seven points and having just forced the St. Rita offense into a three-and-out, Sandburg appeared to have momentum on its side a few minutes into the third quarter of the teams’ opening night matchup.
Momentum, however, only lasts until it swings the other way.
And when you are playing a Chicago Catholic League power that has played in two state championship games and a semifinal over the past three seasons, it inevitably will.
It did, and the Eagles wound up on the receiving end of a 42-21 final on Aug. 25 in Orland Park.
Sandburg coach Troy McAllister saw some good things from his team, including a strong defensive effort, good play from the offensive line and a trio of playmakers who could prove to be a dynamic combination as the season progresses. But untimely miscues and a couple game-changing plays were the difference in a game that was more competitive than the final score might indicate.
“In the end, we just had more mistakes than they did,” McAllister said. “They were a more disciplined ballclub than us and that’s why they won.”
Eagles junior quarterback Anthony Shelton completed 10-of-15 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns, both to junior wide receiver Charlie Snorek. He threw one interception.
Snorek also found the end zone on a 4-yard run to account for all three Eagles scores. He finished with six receptions for 121 yards.
Sophomore running back Luke Basiorka ran 24 times for 112 yards in his varsity debut.
The game was tight throughout the first half, but St. Rita scored on a 9-yard run by senior running back D.J. Stewart with 18 seconds to play in the second quarter to take a 21-7 lead into halftime.
The drive was aided by a personal foul against Sandburg that negated a defensive stop on third-and-10.
But the Eagles weren’t discouraged, and closed the gap on the third play of the second half when Shelton found Snorek deep downfield. Snorek hauled in the pass and outraced the Mustangs defense to the end zone to complete an 83-yard play and make it a one-score game.
“He’s a difference-maker for us,” McAllister said of the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Snorek.
Things got more interesting when the Sandburg defense forced a punt and took over possession at their own 19-yard line. But on the first play, the St. Rita defense strip-sacked Shelton and recovered the fumble.
Five plays later, St. Rita senior quarterback Jett Hilding found Colin Lynch in the flat for an 8-yard score.
The Mustangs never looked back, essentially icing the game minutes later via a 56-yard pick-six by junior linebacker Justin Buckner. Junior running back Nick Herman added a 43-yard scoring jaunt less than three minutes after that to finish the St. Rita outburst.
McAllister was encouraged by his team’s physicality and resilience, noting the offense’s quick score coming out of halftime down 14 points.
“We responded and we got a touchdown to make it a one-score game,” he said. “It felt like every time they punched us we countered back on them.
“That’s a big step forward for us — to get smacked and smack back, and keep that intensity. We stuck around and put some points up, then the defense had a couple good stands; then we self-destructed and had a couple turnovers and it cost us.”
Snorek liked a lot of what Sandburg did against a tough opponent.
“I thought we could have had a better outcome, but we battled,” he said. “They’re a good team, they have some good players.
“We had a good game plan, just didn’t execute. Too many turnovers, we lost on special teams, we had a fumble and a pick-six. If we get rid of those things our game will be a whole lot cleaner.”
Snorek scored eight TDs as a sophomore in 2022 and will be leaned on heavily in the Eagles’ offense. He has embraced that role.
“I love when everybody looks to me; I like to be seen as a leader,” he said. “When we’re down, and I want them to look at me to bring them up. I want to get this team going in the right direction.”
The game marked the head coaching debut of Marty Hopkins, who succeeded Todd Kuska after the latter’s 25-year run at St. Rita. The rookie boss was pleased with what was a somewhat wobbly performance from a team that didn’t practice the two days prior to the game because of a summer heat wave.
“I felty like we had enough work in camp and the guys were ready,” he said. “I think they kind of got a little dust off early on, but it was good to see them come out in the second half and finish the game.”
Hilding ran 12 times for 66 yards and completed 7-of-11 passes for 82 yards and two scores.
Herman (6 carries, 67 yards, TD) and Stewart (10 carries, 59 yards, 2 TDs) contributed to the the Mustangs’ 205-yard rushing effort.
With the Eagles defense (three sacks) playing inspired ball against the deep and talented Mustangs offense, Martin was glad to see his prevention corps make the plays that turned the tide. The strip-sack of Shelton and subsequent touchdown were the response the team needed, and they carried that momentum to victory.
St. Rita sacked Shelton four times.
“That was huge,” Hopkins said about the fumble recovery. “That was something we talked about is playing complementary football, all three phases, so I was glad to see the defense answer the call.
“As soon as we got the ball back the offense scored. We had a bad series (the previous possession) and to see us bounce back as a team, that was great.”
Local News
Obituaries September 19, 2024
Spread the loveJOSE NICOLAS ANDRADE Jose Nicolas Andrade who was born on November 15, 1983 passed away on September 2 at the age of 40. Visitation was held September 6 at Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S. Archer Ave; Jonathan Siedlecki owner-director. Funeral Mass was celebrated September 7 at St. Rita Cascia Church. Interment was at…
Evergreen Park gears up for autumn activities
Spread the loveSummer will soon retreat with autumn beginning this week as activities marking fall will be offered in Evergreen Park. “I want to thank the senior council and everyone who volunteered and participated in this year’s Memories to Go,” said Mayor Kelly Burke during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. “I want…
Clancy’s Sallyfest benefits local families
Spread the loveWhen Lauren Brazel was pregnant with twin boys, Charlie and Frank, she and her husband Ryan learned that the boys had experienced twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. According to the National Institute of Health, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare pregnancy condition affecting identical twins or other multiples. TTTS occurs in pregnancies where twins share…
Oak Lawn Park District’s Conservation Jamboree to feature Monarch Festival
Spread the love The Oak Lawn Park District is hosting a Conservation Jamboree featuring Monarch Festival on Saturday, September 21, at the Oak Lawn Park District Prairie.The Oak Lawn Park District is taking its Monarch Festival to new heights this weekend. Residents are invited out to recognize and take pride in Oak Lawn’s natural beauty with…
Worth bean bag tourney aids Special Olympics
Spread the loveWorth Mayor Mary Werner was pleased that participants enjoyed competing in a bean bag tournament while assisting the Illinois Special Olympics. The Worth Police Department sponsored the annual Fall Bean Bag Tournament on Sept. 7 at the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams. But what…
Man suspected in multiple carjackings arrested
Spread the loveOrland Park, Countryside police track him down A Lynwood man was arrested last week in connection with a carjacking in June at the Mercedes-Benz of Orland car dealership. Marcus Turner, 23, was picked up in Markham on September 12 and subsequently charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of…
Lyons Township Dems hold annual Fall Fest in Summit
Spread the loveThe Lyons Township Democratic Organization held their annual Fall Fest this past Saturday. It took place from 11:00AM-1:00PM outside of their headquarters at 63rd Street and Archer Road in Summit. They welcomed approximately 300 people to the event and this year was no disappointment. Food was a plenty with grilled burgers, italian sausage,…
Historic Worth Restaurant marks 75th anniversary
Spread the loveLongtime customers Ed Palenik (left) and his dad Ed Palenik enjoying breakfast on September 15. Tucked away modestly yet directly in the Village Plaza, along West 111th Street, lies the historic Worth Restaurant. Formerly known as Worth Snack Shop and Loretta’s Snack Bar, the eatery at 6948 W. 111th St., has been an…
Pekau addresses second phase of Schussler Park
Spread the loveThe fancy upgrade to Schussler Park is the pride and joy of Mayor Keith Pekau and the Orland Park village board. But not everyone is enamored with it. At the Sept. 16 village board meeting, resident Mary Beth Griffin said she was representing several other residents who could not attend the meeting to…
Neighbors
Jury deadlocks, mistrial declared in case of ex-AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – A federal judge on Thursday declared a mistrial after a jury deadlocked in their deliberations over whether former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza bribed longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan via a no-work contract for the speaker’s political ally. After nearly 15 hours of deliberation…
High court: Smell of burnt cannabis is not cause for warrantless vehicle search
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Law enforcement officers in Illinois cannot rely on the smell of burnt cannabis alone to justify searching a vehicle without a warrant, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on Thursday. The decision was unanimous, though Justice Lisa Holder White did not take part in it. Writing for the court,…
State wraps up case in challenge to assault weapons ban
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal judge invoked images from the 1917 race riots in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Thursday at the end of a trial in a case challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines. Judge Steven McGlynn, who has…
Gun expert says assault weapons ban ‘describes the most popular firearms I’m involved with’
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com EAST ST. LOUIS – A firearms expert testified Wednesday that the weapons restricted under Illinois’ assault weapons ban include many of the most common firearms that American consumers use for self-defense. Steven Randall Watt, a combat veteran and retired law enforcement officer who now owns a private firearms…
Case of former AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan heads to jury
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – On Valentine’s Day in 2017, then-AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza got some good news: After years of trying to push for legislation in Springfield that would save the company hundreds of millions of dollars annually, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan had agreed to a…
State Supreme Court hears arguments in Jussie Smollett’s effort to overturn conviction
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in actor Jussie Smollett’s appeal to overturn his conviction on disorderly conduct charges for falsifying a hate crime. Smollett, who was an actor on the TV show “Empire,” was improperly charged with the same crime twice, his legal team…
Testimony continues in 2nd Amendment challenge to Illinois’ assault weapons ban
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com EAST ST. LOUIS – An engineer who spent decades designing weapons for one of the world’s leading gun manufacturers testified Tuesday that the assault-style weapons now banned in Illinois are intended only for civilian use and cannot be easily converted into military-grade firearms. James Ronkainen, a former engineer…
Contractor’s unsecured databases exposed sensitive voter data in over a dozen Illinois counties
By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com Around 4.6 million records associated with Illinoisans in over a dozen counties – including voting records, registrations and death certificates – were temporarily available on the open internet, according to a security researcher who identified the vulnerability in July. The documents were available through an unsecured cloud storage…
Prosecutors rest case against former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – After years of pushing in Springfield, AT&T Illinois’ executive team was thrilled when the Illinois General Assembly in 2017 passed legislation that would get the company out from under expensive obligations to maintain its aging copper landline wires in Illinois. “Game over. We win,” AT&T Illinois…
Trial begins in challenge to assault weapons ban
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com EAST ST. LOUIS – The owner of a gun store testified Monday that Illinois’ ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and large capacity magazines has had a significant impact on his business and prevented his customers from buying items they would normally use for self-defense, hunting, target…