Andrew stays alive

Updated: October 1, 2011 12:30AM

Entering with a 2-3 record, Andrew needed a win Friday to keep its playoff hopes from hitting life support.

The Thunderbolts took care of business as Jarvis Franklin ran 28 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns and the Andrew defense forced four turnovers in a 21-6 SouthWest Suburban Red win over Thornwood in Tinley Park.

“Good special teams and good defense made a big difference for us,” Andrew coach Jim Malec said. “We were able to get some huge turnovers, which we haven’t been able to force the past few weeks. We couldn’t afford to lose this one. We have three tough opponents left, but we’re getting a little bit better.”

Andrew (3-3, 3-1) spent nearly the entire first quarter in Thornwood (4-2, 2-2) territory, but the Thunderbirds came up with two fourth down stops, one at their own 34-yard line and one on a fourth-and-one at their own five.

Andrew finally broke through in the opening seconds of the second quarter. Michael Tucker’s blocked punt set the Thunderbolts up deep in Thornwood territory again and Franklin capitalized with a three-yard touchdown run. Mike Elhers’ first of three extra points made it 7-0.

After a Steve Carrabotta interception again set Andrew up with great field position, Tyler Hook (10-of-19 passing, 100 yards) connected with Nick Reyes on a 24-yard pass to the Thornwood one and Reyes punched it in from there to help Andrew to a 14-0 halftime lead.

Another Andrew interception, this time from Dan Durkin, set up Franklin’s second TD run, a 34-yard jaunt to pay dirt with 3:04 left in the third quarter that all but sealed it.

“We look at every game as a must-win,” Franklin said. “We knew coming in (Thornwood) would be a very good team. We worked hard all week and carried it in to tonight.”

Thornwood broke the shutout on a four-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Bolton (11-of-25, 189 yards) to Chris Scott (5 catches, 96 yards) with 2:03 left in the game.

“We couldn’t finish drives because we couldn’t run,” Thornwood coach Wilber Milhouse said. “(Andrew) controlled the game.”

Larry Moore had two interceptions for the Thunderbirds.

Cody Hokanson had an interception, Alejandro Sosa a fumble recovery and Joe Sanfilippo five catches for 49 yards for Andrew, which needs two wins in its final three games against Bradley, Lincoln-Way North and Thornton to become playoff eligible.

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