Titus, T.F. South soar past Meteors

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History class was in session all week at T.F. South.

South coach Tom Padjen figured that was a must as the Rebels prepared for their 50th regular-season meeting with District 215 arch-rival T.F. North.

"We had to reinforce how important the North-South rivalry was," Padjen said.

Apparently the Rebels got the message, as they rolled to a 36-0 nonconference win over the Meteors Friday night in Lansing.

Quarterback Josh Titus threw for 224 yards and three touchdowns, completing 10 of 14 passes, to help the Rebels improve to 3-0. They lead the all-time series for Burnham Avenue bragging rights 33-19. North and South have met twice in the postseason.

Padjen, in his 32nd season as head coach at his alma mater, has plenty of first-hand stories to share with his players about the North-South series. Ditto for his brother Bob, also a South alum and the Rebels' current defensive coordinator.

The family connection between the Padjens and T.F. South runs even deeper than that.  The Padjens' uncle, John Padjen, was the Rebels' first head coach. Though he wasn't able to attend Friday's milestone game, John Padjen did send an inspirational letter to his old team.

All the motivation tactics must have paid off, as the Rebels opened a 17-0 halftime lead and coasted home.

Titus hit Mike Ustanik with a 56-yard TD pass to start the scoring and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Mizgate. Chris Keene added a 36-yard field goal for the Rebels before the break.

In the second half, Gafford scored on a 28-yard run, Titus hit Jon Smith with a 15-yard TD pass and Christian Gonzalez added a seven-yard touchdown run.

"We're making progress," said Tom Padjen, whose team squeaked past Kankakee 7-6 last week. "We're making improvements every week."

Victor Morris had an interception to pace the South defense.

North fell to 1-2.