Phoenix's rise from 0-9 ashes complete
FRANKFORT -- After being outscored 55-0 in consecutive losses to Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way East to begin the season, not many people expected Lincoln-Way North to regroup and compete for the Southwest Suburban Red Division championship.
But the Phoenix, in just its second year of existence, picked itself off the turf and exhibited the poise of a champion to win six straight conference games.
And champions North is after dumping Andrew 10-0 in a do-or-die SWSC Red showdown Friday night. Both teams entered the game a perfect 5-0 in conference. The title marked a massive accomplishment for the Phoenix, who were 0-9 last season.
Not even Mother Nature providing a steady rain and stiff breeze and the loss of starting linebacker Billy Chase and fullback Jim Hermle in recent weeks could derail North (6-3) and its festive fans. Andrew dropped to 6-3 with the loss.
"The kids never stopped believing," said Lincoln-Way North coach George Czart, the defensive coordinator for Lockport's back-to-back Class 8A state champs. "We've been undersized to every one of our opponents. But these kids are resilient."
North proved that size doesn't matter against a physically imposing Andrew squad. The Phoenix held the Thunderbolts without a first down for three quarters.
"We wanted it more," North defensive lineman Ryan Smith said. "We wanted some recognition, too."
North's no-huddle offense proved effective enough to produce the points necessary to achieve victory and, most important, sustain some key time-consuming drives.
A 29-yard field goal by Joe Pergolizzi gave the Phoenix a 3-0 lead at 5:24 of the first quarter. The score was set up when Andrew fumbled on the first play of its opening series and North's Dan Wiatrowski recovered the ball at the T-Bolt 15.
The Phoenix extended its lead late in the second quarter, putting together a 10-play, 47-yard drive that resulted in a 4-yard TD run by Alex McInerney with 44 seconds remaining in the half. Pergolizzi added the PAT to give North a 10-0 lead.
North's defense was suffocating, especially in the first half when it held Andrew to just 20 yards of offense. The front line of Joey Mateicka, Eric Lindgren, Jim Hammar, Smith and Wiatrowski was dominant for the Phoenix.
"The defense really played well, just like they have all year," Czart said. "I'm happy for the school, the players and the entire community who has supported us."
Phoenix quarterback Tait Erikson finished 4 of 8 for 49 yards and added a team-high 41 yards of rushing. Collin Hannigan added 29 yards on 12 carries for North.
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