Lincoln-Way East football team maintains perfect mark

Updated: October 22, 2011 9:30PM

For the third time in the 11-year history of the Lincoln-Way East football program, coach Rob Zvonar has guided the Griffins to an undefeated regular season.

Lincoln-Way East confirmed its status as a south suburban powerhouse with a 42-7 dismantling of Joliet West on Saturday.

“We always talk with our team, especially our seniors, on the legacy they’d like to leave at the school,” Zvonar said. “We recently put out a challenge to become the first undefeated team since 2006, since the school split from Lincoln-Way North.”

The message was received loud and clear. In taking a 42-0 lead, Lincoln-Way East (9-0, 7-0) was able to pull its starters and put the running clock in play with five minutes left in the second quarter.

The Griffins defense forced four turnovers, including a pick-six from defensive back Joe Tomasik, and allowed just one first down by Joliet West (2-7, 2-5) in the first half.

The offense was just as potent. Quarterback Blake Winkler dissected the Tigers secondary, completing 8-of-11 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receivers J.J. Robertston and Jay Yancy showed their ability to get open on long touchdown hauls, Yancy reaching the end zone on a 28-yard over-the-shoulder grab.

“It’s a great goal (to go undefeated) and very satisfying to accomplish it with just Frankfort and Mokena players,” Zvonar said.

Joliet West avoided the shutout with three minutes left in the game. Tigers quarterback Zack Divarco found Justin Posley on a 29-yard TD reception. 

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