Football: Tinley Park hopes to stay strong

Updated: November 8, 2011 6:40PM

Like any coach, Tinley Park’s Nick Johnston was disappointed his team’s season came to the end.

The Titans led Marian Central Catholic 33-14 at one point Saturday, only to fall 55-39 in a Class 5A second-round game.

However, it marked a second straight postseason for Tinley Park, which hadn’t made the playoffs the previous 10 prior to 2010.

The Titans are losing a lot talent to graduation, most notable quarterback Kyle Sheridan, running back Greg Wallace and two-way starter Tracey Brandy.

If Tinley Park is going to extend its postseason streak to three seasons, it will need some underclassmen to step up.

“We’re losing a lot,” said Johnston, whose team finished 8-3. “We have some key pieces to fill. We’re going to do everything in our power to keep this (playoff streak) going.”

Charles Hall (O-line), Bryan Herman (linebacker) and Robert Wallace (defensive back) are juniors who received considerable playing time. The trio will be looked on to provide leadership during the offseason.

Junior running back Preston Thompson spelled Wallace on occasion and showed a ton of promise. He’ll likely be the go-to guy next season.

“There will be opportunities for kids next season,” Johnston said. “It’s a matter of who is going to put in the time and work hard. We feel like we have some kids ready to step in and do the job.”

Bouncing back

Oak Forest’s season ended with a 35-14 loss Friday to Lemont in a Class 6A quarterfinal.

Unlike Tinley Park, however, the Bengals return a strong nucleus next season, led by quarterback Tom Zale and running back Matt Barry. Defensively, six starters figure to return.

“The juniors were undefeated as sophomores and that was without Barry, who was with the varsity,” Oak Forest coach Brian McDonough said. “This year’s sophomores won five games, so we’re optimistic for next season.”

Seniors Tevin Coleman, who rarely left the field, defensive end Alex Hansen, center Kevin Ward and defensive tackle Nick Bukowski represent a talented group of seniors who will be difficult to replace.

Coleman, in particular, is irreplacable. He was a receiver, running back, cornerback and returned punts and kickoffs.

“It was a great season,” said McDonough, whose Bengals finished 7-4.

“The seniors won four games when they were freshmen. They grew as a group.”

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