Richards blasts Argo for fifth straight win

By Mike Walsh
Correspondent

Argo head coach Phil Rossberg knew his team’s Week 7 matchup against Richards wasn’t going to be easy. The Bulldogs came into the game winners of four straight, with a solid defense that has been improving each week.

Rossberg found out first-hand how well Richards has been playing defensively as the Argonauts (4-3, 2-3 South Suburban Red) absorbed a 37-7 loss to the Bulldogs (5-2, 50 SSC Red) in Oak Lawn on Oct. 6.

James Evans (9 tackles), Phillip Robinson (7 tackles) and Kam’ron Norwood (6 tackles, sack, tackle for loss) — the latter who is a freshman — were the stalwarts for Richards (5-2, 5-0), which recorded two sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Junior linebacker Myles Mitchell, who is also the Bulldogs’ starting running back, had a sack, and sophomore Ahmad Buchanan had an interception

Richards held Argo running back Steve Holmes to 28 yards rushing.

“Our O-line struggled a little bit,” Rossberg said. “I told their D-line coach that they did a great job. They were spectacular and they were fast off the ball.

“You just have to tip your cap. We got shut down pretty good and Richards is very good. We’re a little banged up at this point of the season and we’re shorthanded. I thought we held our own just being down 19-7 at halftime.”

For the Bulldogs, Mitchell had 16 carries for 125 yards and four touchdowns, while his freshman backfield mate Laddarius Foster added 84 yards and a score on 12 attempts. Nathan Cole blocked a punt that Justin Todd recovered for a touchdown.

Argo’s Beandre Dugans scored on a 22-yard run to go along with three catches for 44 yards. Quarterback Tadeo Sierra completed 9-of-22 passes for 66 yards with one interception.

The Argonauts, who have lost two straight games and three of their last four after a 3-0 start, are seeking to make the IHSA playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. Longtime coach Jim Innis guided the Argonauts to the postseason in 1998, 2001 and 2013. Last season, Rossberg’s squad lost to Hersey 49-14 in the opening round of the Class 7A playoffs.

Argo will travel to Evergreen Park (5-2, 3-1) this week to wrap up its Red ledger before welcoming T.F. South (2-5) from the South Suburban Blue for a crossover matchup on Oct. 19 in Summit.

Richards will host Lemont on Friday and will wrap up the regular season at Reavis on Oct. 19.