Lemont earns return trip to state

Antioch's Matt Romani (8) gets ready to pitch the ball 0ff to a running back against Lemont.
(Larry Kane/For the Herald News)

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Lemont took advantage of several Antioch mistakes en route to a 38-14 win in the Class 6A semifinals Saturday in Lemont.

The Indians (13-0) -- who will be making their second consecutive trip to the state finals -- capitalized on three fumbles and a short punt by the Sequoits (12-1) in the second quarter to help them grab a 28-7 halftime lead.

Danny Hayes rushed for 183 yards on 31 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns runs to lead the Indians, who meet Sacred Heart-Griffin next Saturday.

"They were sticking with us so the offense knew that we had to capitalize on their turnovers," Hayes said. "Our No. 1 goal was getting back downstate. As soon as we lost last year in the finals, we said that we were coming back and we were going to win it this time."

Hayes had an eight-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter to open the scoring, but Antioch answered a short time later with a 62-yard scoring run from Vinnie Holm.

With 3:00 left in the first half, Hayes scored on a one-yard run to make it 14-7 and the Sequoits fumbled two plays later and Luke Anderson made his second fumble recovery.

Lemont struck again with 0:37 remaining before the break when Nick Lawrence (8-for-11, 106 passing yards) scored on a one-yard keeper to boost the lead to 20-7.

The Sequoits fumbled again on their next play and Ryan Ferry recovered. With two seconds left in the half, Lawrence tossed a 20-yard scoring pass to Lee Taylor (five receptions, 70 yards).

"A lot of these seniors got overlooked as juniors," Lemont coach Eric Michaelsen said. "I think that helped this team develop its identity and every week it's been somebody different stepping up. As soon as last year was over this group talked about wanting to come back."

Lemont scored again on its opening series in the third quarter as Taylor caught a four-yard pass from Lawrence to make it 35-7.

Antioch later scored on a one-yard run by Matt Romani and the hosts wrapped up their victory with a 22-yard field goal from Mike Orszulak.

The Indian defense limited Antioch standout Cameron White to just 72 rushing yards on 13 carries.

The Sequoits, who have never advanced to the finals, set a school record of 12 victories after capturing just three wins in their two previous seasons.

"They were very, very good," Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. "They had been in the title game the year before and we knew we'd have our hands full. Lemont has the best defense that we've played all year." ____________________________________________________________ Click to create your dream holiday trip now.