Lane slows Greyhounds, wins Public League

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Once again Lane Tech proved to be the Prairie State buster as the Indians defeated Hubbard 24-7 for the Public League championship Saturday at Hanson Stadium.

Whatever the formula is that Lane uses, it is the only other team outside of the Prairie State section to claim a city championship in the new millennium. This year's  claiming their second title in eight years.

Things looked a little bleak for the Indians (11-2) as their leading rusher, Thaddeus Smith, was knocked out the game on the first series and did not return. Hubbard (10-3) took advantage and scored on a 27-yard run by Will Taylor with 11:42 left in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead.

But that was the lone bright spot of the day for the Greyhounds. Lane drove 68 yards in 10 plays and scored on a one-yard dive by Marcel Gibson with 27 seconds left before halftime.

The Lane defense rose to the occasion after a short punt by Hubbard. Lane drove 22 yards in nine plays and scored on a fourth-and-goal from the one yard line on a quarterback sneak by Louis Negron.

Lane continued to open it up and added a 28-yard field goal in the third quarter by Juan Alhamvra with 3:19 remaining. The final nail in the coffin came when defensive end Andre Alverez recovered a muffed punt in the end zone.

“This was a total team effort,” said Lane coach Rich Rio. “It was outstanding preparation from the coaches and outstanding execution by the kids. Back-to-back victories over two quality teams like Morgan Park and Hubbard is no small task.”

“We knew that last touchdown was big. Nobody said anything. You could just see in everybody’s face how intense it was.” said Negron.

“We just got it handed to us today," said Hubbard coach Elton Harris. “No defense, no offense, no execution. We were just not ready to play, but that all falls back on me. We are only losing five starters on both sides of the ball and hopefully this will be a learning experience.”