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Salazar orchestrates Providence win
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Updated: May 9, 2012 9:44AM
Chris Salazar was determined to reverse Providence's recent history.
It was more than just eliminating the memory of last year's very uncharacteristic 2-7 team.
"We hadn't won a first game of the year since 2004, and that was the last year we won state," the senior Providence quarterback said.
His personal statistics were not anything to write home about. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. His grit, intangibles and ability to come up with big plays turned the tide in the Celtics' favor.
Salazar orchestrated a game-opening touchdown drive and rushed for a touchdown and threw for another as the Celtics used opportunistic play to defeat Morgan Park 21-6 at Soldier Field Friday.
The Morgan Park loss ruined the debut of Jeremy Gold, the new Mustangs' coach hired following the controversial ousting of longtime Morgan Park coach Lexie Spurlock.
Salazar opened the season right by directing an eight-play, 59-yard touchdown drive following the opening kickoff.
"We were all pumped and ready to go at the start," said Salazar. "We made first downs and that was crucial."
Set up by Salazar's beautiful 11-yard third down pass to wideout Sean Fitzgerald, the Celtics (1-0) seized the 7-0 lead on fullback Jack Klyczek's 22-yard burst up in the middle. He dragged several Morgan Park defenders into the end zone.
The Mustangs (0-1) appeared to answer, driving deep into Providence territory. Junior Morgan Park quarterback Andre Newell had tight end Shaquille Eason in the end zone, but Providence Jack Fordon ripped the ball out of his arms for the first of three Providence interceptions.
Salazar's 21-yard screen pass to Klyczek and 14-yard dart to tight end Mitch Vejvoda set up Providence's second score, capped by his one-yard plunge on fourth down that expanded the Celtics' lead to 14-0 with six minutes to play in the second quarter.
Providence defensive back Kevin Ward recovered stripped ball with just seconds to go in the second quarter. One play alter, Salazar found Vejvoda on a 16-yard touchdown pass.
Salazar finished 6-13 for 85 yards. Klyczek added 72 yards on seven carries and starting tailback Andrew Hoffmeister added 51 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Senior defensive back Troy Sheppard keyed the aggressive Celtics' defense with two interceptions. He added a blocked extra point after Morgan Park's Charles Bournes averted the shutout by scoring on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Newell with 10:53 remaining.
"Last year we didn't create that many turnovers, and this year our goal is to win the turnover, by at least one, every game," Sheppard said.
Morgan Park had three more possessions but could not generate any significant drives following the Bournes‘ touchdown.
"I thought offensively we moved the ball pretty well, but we just were hurt by the turnovers, which really killed us," Gold said. "We‘re Morgan Park and we‘re going to come back."
Defensive back Kemet Baxter recorded two interceptions for the Mustangs.
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