|
Saturday,
November 23, 2002
One win away from title shots -
BHS has its eyes focused on stopping an Illini recruit
By Randy Reinhardt
Pantagraph staff
BLOOMINGTON -- A running back with the credentials of
Pierre Thomas has no problem getting attention.
The awe-inspiring numbers go before him and the buzz is already there
when he arrives.
The Bloomington High School football team has its eyes wide open
awaiting the Thornton Fractional South standout. And whether or not the
Purple Raiders blink may determine who survives today's 2 p.m. Class 6A
semifinal playoff encounter at Fred Carlton Field.
A 5-foot-11, 190-pound University of Illinois recruit, Thomas has
rushed for 2,257 yards and 36 touchdowns while averaging a whopping 10
yards per carry.
"I don't think he's as fast as (current Illini and Urbana High
School product) Morris Virgil but he's probably a better runner at this
level only because he hits the hole and runs with such great power and
smoothness," BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer said. "I don't think
we've had a tailback this good. And we've had some good ones."
Seeking their first state title game appearance since 1991, the Purple
Raiders are 12-0 and ranked third in 6A. Fifth-ranked TF South is 11-1
after a quarterfinal upset of No. 2 Oak Lawn Richards.
"That was a big, emotional win. We finally got over the hurdle
and beat Richards. They are our nemesis in the conference (SICA
Orange)," Rebels' coach Tom Padjen said. "We need to refocus.
Bloomington has an outstanding team."
Padjen called Thomas "a very special young man. He has explosive
power and is a strong runner. He's just very focused. He works hard to
improve each week and it's very contagious."
Thomas rushed for 273 yards and caught a 97-yard touchdown pass in the
win over Richards.
"We've got to key on that tailback. He's a pretty tough
kid," said BHS fullback/defensive end Damon Mehlberg. "If
there's not a hole, he'll make something happen and get yards off it. We
can't have that.
"I think if we shut him down, we shut the team down. If we shut
the team down, we win and go on to the state championship."
TF South quarterback Vince Rizzi has passed for 1,191 yards.
"With their offense, he does a very good job setting up the play
action and throwing off what their strength is: running the ball,"
Schmelzer said. "They will attempt to establish angle by some of
their formations and let this kid (Thomas) pick a hole."
Opposing Thomas and the Rebels' offense is a BHS defense that has
allowed more than seven points just twice in the past 11 games. Ryan
Pankey leads the Raiders with 68 tackles. Noah Wyatt adds 64 and Justin
Harrison 59.
"They have a strong, aggressive defense," said Padjen,
"and an explosive offense. We are a huge underdog again. They have a
50-pound advantage (on the lines)."
James Wade paces BHS with 1,588 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.
Mehlberg chips in 702 yards and 13 scores. Quarterback Andre Brown has
completed 79 of 171 passes for 1,575 yards, 23 touchdowns and just four
interceptions.
"We're an undersized defensive club. All those offensive weapons
give us a lot to prepare for and worry about," Padjen said.
"Andre Brown does a great job leading that offensive unit, and
Mehlberg and Wade are very impressive running backs."
Today's victor will face either Rock Island or Chicago Mount Carmel
for the 6A championship at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 at Memorial Stadium in
Champaign.
|