Sandburg coasts to big win

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:24PM

Sandburg came out of the football box raring to go on Saturday.

And Joliet Central felt the ill effects of the Eagles' staunch play at Memorial Stadium.

Sandburg built a 25-0 lead after one quarter and coasted to a 42-6 victory over the Steelmen in SouthWest Suburban Blue action.

"We were prepared, but we didn't have a good week of practice," Joliet Central coach Mike Maloney said. "Today, a lot of young guys played and we got varsity experience for them. We showed them the speed of the varsity game."

The tone of the game was set on the game's initial play from scrimmage.

Joliet Central sophomore quarterback Jason Curry threw a pass on the first play from scrimmage.

However, Sandburg's Zach Schwer intercepted Curry's pass as the Eagle defensive back returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.

"We wanted to come out and open up a little on that first play," Maloney said. "We knew they are a big and strong defensive team, so we attempted to loosen them up a little."

Sandburg (5-2, 3-2) scored on its first possession when Tres Oliver broke free and ran 80 yards into the end zone.

The Eagles, who rushed for 293 yards on 43 attempts, scored twice more during first-quarter play.

The situation got even worse for the Steelmen (0-7, 0-5) during the second quarter when they fell behind 39-0 at halftime.

"Every game is important for our development," Maloney said. "No game is more important than any game on the schedule. We simply want to keep getting better with each snap."

The Steelmen scored with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter. Senior wingback Dee Thames scored on a two-yard run.

Thames' TD run ended a eight-play, 54-yard drive into the end zone. Curry had 20 yards rushing during that drive for Joliet Central, while sophomore halfback Malik Neal added 17 on Joliet Central's touchdown trek.

Thames also had a 17-yard run in the TD march.

Curry led the Steelmen in rushing with 49 yards in 15 carries. Neal added 33 yards and Thames had 31.

"Malik's mental toughness and maturity have grown throughout the season," Maloney said.

"It's a privilege to play football at the high school level. You put everything out on the line each time you go on the field. And when you do that, it hurts when you fail and that is what this team is experiencing. They are putting everything on the line each game."

The Steelmen play at Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday.

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