Bolingbrook ‘D’ sparks team in win

Updated: October 7, 2011 10:55PM

With its offense not in gear, Bolingbrook looked to its defense for a spark, and Antonio Morrison delivered.

Morrison led the defense with 14 tackles, including two for losses, and forced a key fumble as the Raiders rallied for a 27-3 victory over Sandburg in a SouthWest Suburban Blue matchup Friday night in Orland Park.

With the victory the Raiders improve to 6-1 and 4-1 and clinch a playoff berth for the 20th straight season. Sandburg fell to 5-2 and 3-2.

After a scoreless first half, the Eagles had taken a 3-0 lead on a 53-yard field goal by senior Ted Vergados with 7:41 left in the third quarter. Sandburg then recovered a fumble at its own 15, and looked to have the momentum.

But Morrison switched that by knocking the ball free following a 14-yard gain by Mike Rago and Tevin Teamer recovered at the Sandburg 27. Quarterback Aaron Bailey (20 carries - 87 yards) darted in from there on the next play and Bolingbrook was in the lead for good with 3:29 left in the third quarter.

“I knew we were struggling on offense,” said Morrison, a senior linebacker who has committed to the University of Florida. “The defense had to force a turnover and that got us good field position. The offense started putting up points after that.”

Following the touchdown, Morrison recovered an inadvertent onside kick by the Raiders at the Sandburg 45. Seven plays later sophomore Jaden Huff scored from 14-yards out for a 14-3 lead with 1:30 left in the third.

Huff (16 carries - 112 yards) added touchdown runs of 2 and 26 yards in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring.

“Antonio Morrison had a real good game and our defense was outstanding,” Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow said. “Sandburg came in at 5-1 because they are a good team and we were nervous.”

Greg Gordan, Anthony Harris and Phillip Wilson also came up big for Bolingbrok’s defense, which converted two second half turnovers into touchdowns.

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