Aerial Assault Key in Red Devils' Convincing Win

The Red Devils (3-2) did not keep their home crowd waiting for long as a relentless passing attack led by junior quarterback Brian Owens put up huge numbers in a convincing 33-10 win against Lyons Township (2-3).

Owens had 312 passing yards before being lifted for Ryan Kelleher late in the 4th quarter.

Lyons Township went through three quarterbacks and posted on 56 passing yards on the day. Starter Connor Onion was lifted at the half for Zachary Mahoney. Mahoney was then lifted for jacob Wittenberg as the game was out of reach for the Lions.

The Lions opened the game by attempting an onside kick. It was recovered by the Red Devils, giving them great field position. The Devils opening drive stalled, but they got the early field goal and never trailed.

After stopping the Lions on their first possession, Owens led the Red Devils on a long drive, punching the ball in himself for a 10-0 lead with 8:14 left in the half.

After another Lions stalled drive, Owens hit Brad Anlauf for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 4:22 left in the second quarter, and the rout was on.

When asked about the vertical passing game coach Rich Tarka said, "Yeah, we've been working on it all summer and it's finally coming together. Our receivers were really playing with some confidence and going and getting the ball."

"I thought we were flat from the very beginning," said head coach Kurt Weinberg. "We just didn't seem like we didn't come to play."

"We just have to make plays. We had guys in position to make plays all game and we just have to make plays," he continued.

LT failed to get the running game going early, amassing only 40 yards before a big 80-yard run by Jaime Jones late scored them a touchdown. Turnovers by LT also played a part as two costly interceptions early stalled drives.

"Tommy Garvin said it's a lot more fun to go to the dance when we win," said Tarka. "LT is a big rival and it's good to get the monkey off our back."