After a disappointing loss the week before, Reavis coach Tim Zasada was looking for his team to rebound in a South Suburban crossover against visiting TF South on Oct. 10.
With a varied offense at the forefront, Reavis did just as its coach wanted, shutting out the Red Wolves 43-0.
The Rams (5-2) became playoff-eligible for the first time since 2022.
“We had a really good balance of rushing and passing,” Zasada said. “The biggest key was just bouncing back from a really, really terrible effort (in a 19-13 loss at Eisenhower). Getting to play a home game and having a great week of practice really, really helped our team.
“We have a pretty good senior group and sometimes, you have to say some things. Really good senior groups take it upon themselves to fix things and they made a concentrated effort to have a really good week of practice and to come out on all cylinders (Friday) night, which they did.”
Leading the way offensively for the Rams (5-2) was senior Nehemiah Rogers, who scored on runs of 7 and 10 yards.
“Nehemiah had a really good week of practice,” Zasada said. “… He was hungry and he’s a tremendous runner.”
Logan Hurtado had a 35-yard TD catch, while Parker Zasada (2-yard run) and Dardan Nreci (16-yard run) also added touchdowns for the Rams. Blake Stefanek booted a 40-yard field goal.
TF South (2-5), which was coming off a road win over Tinley Park, was quieted offensively by a stout Reavis defense.
The Rams have shut out four opponents and allowed a total of just 52 points (7.4 ppg), which is the best in the South Suburban Red.
“I think we were really prepared for everything that they threw at us,” Tim Zasada said. “When you get into Week 7, we kind of know everything about our opponents and you just have to be able to execute it.
“Once again, I think that went back to our week of practice and focusing and recognizing everything that (TF South) came out in and just (going) ahead and (executing). Preparation is always key for us. We made it a point to stop their really good running back and we did that. We made them do some things that they were uncomfortable doing.”