Morton eases past Hinsdale South

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:30PM

Morton senior Ricky Santillan played a big role in a memorable homecoming momentum shift Friday.

The defensive back recovered a fumble at the 5-yard line in the first quarter and was on the receiving end of an electrifying 45-yard touchdown pass on the ensuing drive for the first touchown in the Mustangs' 27-6 victory over Hinsdale South in West Suburban Conference Gold Division action in Berwyn.

"I think that (fumble) was the changing point, other than (my) touchdown. It was like a little push before a big push," Santillan said. "We were back on our heels on that goal line. Once I carried that ball (from the fumble), I got a big old smile on my face."

Morton (3-3, 2-2 in Gold) has won three games in a season for the first time in recent memory and still is in playoff contention with Oak Park, Proviso East and Downers Grove South remaining. Hinsdale South (2-4, 1-2) had its playoff chances take a big blow, unless it can upset Downers Grove South for its homecoming this coming Friday.

"I feel like I'm in a movie sometimes, like practicing with these new coaches (under head coach Bob Organ)," Santillan said. "I feel like we're being recorded and it's all scripted up, but it's not. It's hard to believe it's reality. We're just going forward this year and it feels great to turn it around."

The touchdown pass to Santillan came from junior quarterback Ismal Ledezema, making his third start since senior Carlos Vargas broke his left tibia at the end of the 26-21 victory over Willowbrook game in Week 3.

Senior running back Jeremy Keys had 29 carries for 160 yards and two TDs, a 3-yard carry for a 14-0 halftime lead and a 25-yard run for the Mustangs' final score. Keys' second-quarter touchdown came after a 57-yard pass from Ledezema to Omar Lopez. Ledezema (5-for-7 passing, 114 yards) also had a 5-yard TD pass to Tyshaun Eaton on the first play of the fourth quarter following a 57-yard interception return by Jose Salazar to the 11. Nick Engle also had an interception.

Hinsdale South nearly scored on its second drive of the game, but the 38-yard pass from Michael Cross to Chris Chacko initially was caught and then ruled to be knocked out of his hands by Engle and Salazar. The Hornets got the ball back at the 24 on a fumble caused and recovered by Brandon Marsh, but then the Hornets fumbled the ball back in the red zone.

The Hornets finished with 194 yards of total offense, 81 on their final drive that resulted in a 1-yard TD run by Cross after a 41-yard pass to tight end Keith Reidy, who caught three of Cross' six completions for 60 yards. Kylen Williams rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries.

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