SouthtownStar football notebook

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:12PM

Coming off a 3-6 season, not much was expected out of Tinley Park.

But after drubbing Hillcrest 34-13 on Friday, the Titans find themselves a perfect 4-0.

Up next, a trip to Oak Forest.

"We're happy to be where we're at but we have to stay focused and continue to work hard," said coach Nick Johnston, who's in his eighth season.

What pleased Johnston most about Friday's win was how his team responded to the Hawks taking a quick 7-0 lead. The Titans scored on their ensuing possession and by the time the first half ended led 28-13.

"It was good to see us stay focused after we were down," Johnston said. "We drove right down and scored on them. And we kept it going."

The 1-2 punch of quarterback Kyle Sheridan and running back Hassan Abdullah have led the way. Sheridan passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while Abdullah ran for 197 yards and four TDs against Hillcrest.

"We knew what we had with Hassan from last year," Johnston said. "He had close to 1,000 yards rushing. He dedicated himself in the offseason and he's something special."

Sheridan, a junior, is a bit undersized at 5-foot-9. But the coaching staff has tried to play to his strengths, one of which is decision-making.

"Kyle is a little guy, but he can roll out and he has a pretty good arm," Johnston said. "We ask him to do some intricate things with this offense. He's made the right reads with coverage and his footwork has improved."

Argo on a roll

Another team with an unblemished mark is Argo. Coach Jim Innis' squad took down Eisenhower 26-20 on Friday to remain perfect.

"We thought we were a year away (from reaching their potential)," Innis said. "We have pulled away with some close ones (wins). In the past we haven't done that."

The biggest key to the Argonauts success has been the play of the offensive line, according to Innis.

The Argonauts boasted just one returning starter on the line in senior Gabe Rodriguez. But juniors Cody Hopper, Kyle Fredette, Peter Weslowski and Brandon Riley have made the transition to varsity a smooth one. While Innis is more concerned about this season, having those four aforementioned juniors back on the line next year bodes well.

"We're coming off the ball well on the line," Innis said. "Those guys worked really hard in the offseason."

Two two-way seniors, Chris Murphy and Steven Paul, have provided leadership as well as outstanding play.

However, it's unlikely Argo would be sitting this pretty without the performance of quarterback Joe Ellingham, who was shifted from fullback before the season. He's completed 17 of 28 passes for 311 yards and six touchdowns.

"We had (a disciplinary) issue with our starting quarterback and Joe stepped in," Innis said. "You can't argue with his numbers."

Caravan on the upswing

Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti likes the way his team has responded since a Week 1 defeat to Simeon, winning three straight.

"We're getting better," the legendary coach said. "Especially on defense. On offense, (Chris) Sujka and (Michael) Banks have been pretty consistent. But there are nine other guys we have to get more consistency from."

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