Lyons Clinches 31-28 Victory Over Wheaton Warrenville South

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Lyons football team secured a narrow 31-28 victory over Wheaton Warrenville South on September 15, 2023. Senior lineman Jimmy Hillmann played a pivotal role, showcasing his versatility by contributing as a two-way lineman on both offense and defense.

With just over a minute left in the game, Hillmann made a game-changing strip and fumble recovery after helping the Lions take a 28-21 lead with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. “I haven’t done anything like that since youth football,” Hillmann remarked, highlighting the significance of the moment for him and his team.

Following Hillmann’s defensive play, Ryland Avants added a 30-yard field goal, extending the Lions’ lead to 31-21 with 1:31 remaining. The Tigers responded aggressively, scoring a touchdown with a 22-yard pass from quarterback Justin Miller to Lucas Beres, narrowing the gap to just three points. However, the Lions recovered the subsequent onside kick and ran out the clock to clinch the win.

The game was a rollercoaster, with the Lions (now 2-0) and the Tigers (now 1-1) exchanging scores throughout. After a tightly contested first half that ended 14-14, the Lions surged ahead with a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior linebacker Patrick Cheney.

The Lions scored first with a 4-yard TD pass from quarterback Jack Slightom to Owen Matela. The Tigers answered with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Brady McClatchy, but the extra point failed, leaving the score at 7-6. Slightom later added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, but just before halftime, Wheaton Warrenville South tied the game with a 13-yard TD run by Owen Yorke, capping a back-and-forth first half.

Slightom ended the game with 137 passing yards, connecting for 68 yards with receiver Lukas Sanguinet. Meanwhile, Hillmann’s efforts on both sides of the ball were crucial in maintaining momentum for the Lions. “It’s just fun to get out there and make a play like that and help the team shift momentum,” Hillmann said, reflecting the team’s collective spirit.

WW South coach Sean Norris praised his team’s resilience, stating, “I’m super proud of this senior group. They believed every minute that we were going to come out with a win. To see the resiliency and heart, I’m really proud of them for that.”

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both teams as they prepare for their upcoming matchups. The Lions’ strong performance, especially from their seasoned players, sets a promising tone for the rest of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates as these teams continue to battle through the season, with fans eager to see how this thrilling rivalry unfolds.