Running back EJ Kuhlman is usually an accurate barometer of how things are going for Lyons.
When the 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior is performing at his best — as he was in the Lions’ 36-14 Class 8A opening-round victory over visiting Metea Valley on Oct. 23 — Lyons is tough to beat.
The Lions (7-3), who are seeded No. 21 in Class 8A, advance to play at No. 12 Perspectives (7-2) in the first round.
Kuhlman carried 14 times for 197 yards against the No. 44-seeded Mustangs (3-7) and scored on runs of 44, 40 and 32 yards. For good measure, he also hauled in a 26-yard scoring strike from quarterback Brendan McCabe (8 of 10 passing, 103 yards).
“EJ is very explosive,” Lions coach Jon Beutjer said. “He reads holes really well and he’s fast. You know once he gets past that second level, he’s dangerous because he’s so fast. …
“He’s patient and he’s a competitor. … He runs that way and (Friday) night I think was one of his better games. … Obviously, EJ is a very dynamic receiver as well. We have the ability for him to run out of the backfield number one and number two, we can put him in the slot and he poses a problem with mismatches on the linebackers and safeties.”
Kuhlman is helped by Lyons’ offensive line, which features center Luke Vaupell, guards Mason Price and Liam Corrigan, tackles Charlie Harrington and Edwin Martinez and tight ends Owen Matela and Aidan Webster.
“In order for our run game to be successful, it takes an offensive line,” Beutjer said. “When a running back does really well and has a bunch of yards and scores touchdowns, the guys who make that stuff happen are the linemen.
“So you have to give credit to our line for creating holes for our running backs to run through.”
Lyons, which led 22-0 at halftime, also had 94 yards on 12 runs — including an 82-yard TD — from sophomore running back Jack Williams.
Class 7A
Buffalo Grove 28, Andrew 27: Host Buffalo Grove (7-3) stopped 46th seed Andrew’s two-point conversion run with under two minutes left and held off the upset-minded Thunderbolts (2-8). Landon Paredes threw a 4-yard TD pass to Jimmy Reilly for Andrew (2-8).
St. Laurence 25, Belleville East 16: Noah Taylor scored on an 11-yard run and also threw a 34-yard TD pass to Keynan Morgan for 39th seed St. Laurence (4-6) on the road. Jhalen Clanton returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown. David Campbell (conversion run) and Evan Panther (24-yard field goal) accounted for the Vikings’ other points. St. Laurence meets Plainfield South (8-1) in the first round.