Minooka defense stymies Sandburg in 8A playoff opener
By Jason Maholy
Sports Editor
Sandburg’s potent offense never found its footing and the Eagles dropped their IHSA Class 8A playoff opener on a soggy night in Minooka.
Junior quarterback Anthony Shelton hit Charlie Snorek on a 44-yard touchdown pass three minutes into the game, but the Eagles would not score again in a 27-7 season-ending loss to the host Indians.
Minooka led 14-7 at halftime and 21-7 after three quarters.
Colin Flaherty recovered an Indians’ fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter, but Shelton threw an interception four plays later. Minooka pounded the ball on the ground and ran nearly 8 minutes off the clock on the ensuing drive.
Sandburg finished 6-4 and with its second playoff berth in the last three seasons. The Eagles last advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs in 2010, when they lost to Lyons in the second round.
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