Liam Morrissey’s 3 TDs lead Lincoln-Way East to victory over Sandburg

Sandburg was in control for the first 22 minutes of Friday’s game against Lincoln-Way East, leading 6-0 late in the first half behind a staunch defense and two Jonathan Milazzo field goals, including a 50-yarder.

Then, suddenly, the Griffins began clicking for big play after big play.

A 76-yard Liam Morrissey touchdown run started it, a 28-point third quarter followed and Lincoln-Way East rolled to a 42-13 SouthWest Suburban Blue win in Orland Park.

“We just stayed focused, and we knew we’d click,” East quarterback Mike Weller said. “We came out and did what we do in the third quarter.”

The Griffins (6-1, 5-0) scored all 42 of their points in a span of 13:56 to pull away.

“I thought the slow start was as much due to excellent play by Sandburg as poor play by us,” East coach Rob Zvonar said. “Our defense did a great job to keep us in it, and that third quarter was as good a quarter as we’ve played all year.”

After Morrissey (18 carries, 130 yards, 3 TDs) gave East a 7-6 halftime lead, Weller got going. On the Griffins’ first possession of the second half, he hit Paul Gossage (4 catches, 70 yards) for a 58-yard scoring strike.

Then, on a fourth-and-nine the next time the Griffins had the ball, Weller and Ken Alexa (4 catches, 84 yards) delivered Sandburg a back-breaker, connecting for a 36-yard score and a 21-6 lead.

“We went to one of our go-to plays there,” Weller said. “Kenny made a great play, and he broke it.”

Weller finished 7-of-13 passing for 136 yards and the two scores.

Kyle Keuch returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown and recovered a fumble that set up Morrissey’s one-yard touchdown run for a 35-6 lead.

“They ran a post,” Keuch said of the interception. “Luke (Epich) tipped it, and I was able to make a play, all thanks to him.”

Brian Burns and Geoffrey Quinn also had interceptions for the Griffins.

East outgained Sandburg (3-4, 2-3) 284-239.

Alec Fidan, making his first start at quarterback for the Eagles, finished 11-of-22 passing for 165 yards and ran 11 times for 35 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown.

Zak Razik had five catches for 102 yards, and Alan Budz had an interception for the Eagles.

“It’s ironic, but after how the second half went, our kids are still talking about all the good plays we made,” Sandburg coach Dave Wierzal said. “There’s still a lot to be proud of. I thought Alec ran it well and threw it well. I’m pretty excited about him. I think as long as we limit the mistakes, good things can happen.”