Lemont pitches shutout

Tough defense, Earnest's 214 yards key win

From staff reports LEMONT -- The Lemont High School defense continues to throw out a lot of zeroes.

The Indians posted their fourth shutout in six weeks and rushed for 417 yards en route to a 49-0 homecoming thrashing of South Suburban Blue rival Tinley Park.

Lemont (5-1, 2-0) scored on six of its eight offensive possessions and added a touchdown on a fumble runback.

The Indians have allowed just 30 points with 23 of them coming in their lone loss to Richards two weeks ago.

"It was our homecoming and all week you kind of worry about the kids' focus," Lemont coach Eric Michaelsen said. "But they came out and played a nice game tonight."

Senior tailback Bobby Earnest led the Lemont offensive attack with 214 yards rushing on 19 carries. He scored the game's first touchdown on a 36-yard run in the first quarter and added two more scores in the second quarter on an 88-yard run and a 28-yard reception on senior quarterback Brett Nagel's only pass completion.

Nagel finished 1-of-4 passing with the touchdown pass and an interception. He also rushed 8 times for 70 yards. Junior running back Andrew Tomala scored one of Lemont's touchdowns and finished with 68 yards on 9 carries.

Senior linebacker Gordon Kickels provided the defensive score when he scampered 15 yards with a Tinley Park fumble in the third quarter.

"The kids are doing a nice job," Michaelsen said.

Lemont allowed just 102 yards.