Morgan Park's talented defense shuts out Kenwood, Marcus Thaxton does the rest
Morgan Park's offense struggled in the first half of its 20-0 win against Kenwood on Saturday at Lane. The Broncos' defense was responsible for that, but the sweltering heat was also a factor.
Mustangs coach Chris James, who calls the offense, passed out on the sideline during his team's second drive.
"I had to get out of the sun for awhile," James said. "I literally couldn't coach. It's shocking that it is this hot. The trainer took care of me, got me some Gatorade and water and my wife did too."
The temperature in Chicago hit 87 degrees on Saturday. But it is much warmer on the plastic turf high school football fields. There have been estimates that the on-field temperature is 10 to 15 degrees warmer. And shade is a rarity.
"I couldn't call the plays," James said. "The kids looked at me and asked what was wrong. I called two timeouts back-to-back. I just couldn't think."
The No. 19 Mustangs were able to depend on their defense in the rough first half and throughout the game. Ahmad Grayer and Jovan Clark had interceptions. Jahmare Washington, Demetris Rule, Clark, Josiah Scott and Mekhi Hubbard picked up sacks.
"We hold each other accountable," Clark said. "This game is really big. It's always the talk, this rivalry. But they are just in our way to our goal. The shutout feels amazing. That's tremendous. You don't see that for four quarters too often."
Morgan Park (3-1, 2-0 Public Red) scored on its first play of the third quarter. Marcus Thaxton connected with Nasir Rankin for a 70-yard TD. Three minutes later Thaxton found Terrance Gurley for a 39-yard TD to make it 14-0.
"I had to take it in my hands and make something happen," Thaxton said. "Once we scored we woke up and just kept it rolling."
Thaxton was 11-for-17 for 188 yards and three TDs. Pierre Jackson caught four passes for 31 yards and a TD. Rankin finished with three catches for 114 yards and a TD.
"I love playing in these type of games," Thaxton said. "It's just fun with the rivalry and all the people out to see us."
Kenwood (1-3, 1-1) plays its home games at Lane. The Broncos made the move to the North Side stadium several years ago.
"I hate playing at Lane," James said. "I don't like the travel. I love the historic site of Gately Stadium and I think we are taking away from that."
Senior running back Isaiah Shannon had 15 carries for 58 yards for Kenwood. Sophomore quarterback Korey Shavers was 9-for-20 for 74 yards with two interceptions.
The Broncos have a new coach, Chris Goffer, and graduated all of the dynamic playmakers on offense from last season.
"We're playing with our third string quarterback and we have to find a way to win," Goffer said. "We made some key mistakes in the third quarter on defense and that changed the game."
It's been a successful start to the season overall for the Broncos, who were competitive against two ranked teams, Kenwood and St. Francis.
"It's a new staff and the kids are getting used to new calls and plays and the change of culture," Goffer said. "But there is still half a season left and the the kids are moving in the right direction."
