Sports
Tinley Park's 'Three-Headed Dragon' Running Wild
Titans running back David Morgan rushed for 105 yards, 64 of which came on a touchdown run in a 54-6 rout of Bogan in Friday night's football opener.
One down, eight to go.
That’s the mindset of coach Nick Johnston and the Tinley Park football team after
The Titans return eight starters on offense from last year’s playoff team, and the confidence of the group was evident early and often as they marched down the field.
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Senior running back David Morgan totaled 105 yards and a score, as he led a three-back platoon that tallied 303 yards and four touchdowns on the ground (quarterback Kyle Sheridan added 89 yards and two scores rushing).
“We (three running backs) compete hard against each other in practice. We call ourselves the three-headed dragon,” Morgan said. “We’ve got a handshake and we do a little something after any of us score. We’ve got running back brotherly love for each other.”
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There’s plenty of brotherly love for the Titans’ offensive line, as well. The line cleared holes for Morgan, Preston Thompson and Gregory Wallace all game. Johnston was pleased with his backs and the work up front by his big guys.
“We have a veteran offensive line and three backs that can hit the hole. We’re not afraid to put it in the air, but we know we can pound it on the ground when we need to,” Johnston said.
With Tinley leading 47-6 after halftime, Sheridan wasn’t asked to do much through the air, but the senior passer proved lethal when called upon. He threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns on only eight passes.
Johnston liked what he saw from his senior leader.
“Sheridan played excellent. He made wise decisions and used his head. He can threaten you in the air and he can move on (his) feet. His speed is deceptive—he can run,” Johnston said.
Sheridan opened the game with a 62-yard sprint up the sideline for the first score of the game. A few drives later, Sheridan ran 28 yards for another touchdown.
“I was so pumped about tonight, it feels great,” Sheridan explained. “The offensive line created a lot of big holes, and all of our reads were there.”
If Sheridan and the Titans keep reading like they did Friday night, “Professor” Johnston will lead the Titans back to the state playoffs and have them contending for a conference championship.
