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Football: Shepard Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive with Stunning Rout of Evergreen Park
Shepard 38, Evergreen Park 20: Astros jump on top early and pull away in the second half. Now, they are in a position to reach the IHSA playoffs with win over Oak Lawn in their regular-season finale.
Breaking It Down: Shepard knew the score. The Astros had to win their last two games to qualify for the IHSA football playoffs.
One down, one to go.
The Astros dumped a red-hot Evergreen Park team 38-20 on Friday night to spoil the Mustangs' Senior Night celebration. And the Astros had to overcome a fumble on the first from scrimmage that could have spelled disaster in their camp.
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Evergreen Park recovered the fumble at the Shepard 17. But the Astros stopped the Mustangs on the 1. And, after a scoreless first quarter, they struck first when quarterback Jimmy McClinton found wideout Brandon Lucas for a 29-yard touchdown. McClinton then scored on a 24-yard run to make it 14-0.
The Mustangs got right back in game on a 65-yard Victor Baker touchdown run. A 51-yard field goal by Tommy Eyer gave the Astros a 17-7 halftime lead.
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Shepard put the game away early in the third quarter. The Astros scored two touchdowns in rapid-fire succession. McClinton found wideout Londell Lee for two deep scores. Sandwiched in between was a 45-yard touchdown run by Mustang quarterback Brandon White. The Astros led 31-14 after three quarters and made it 38-14 on a short touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
Patch’s MVP: Jimmy McClinton, Shepard. McClinton accounted for four touchdowns, passing for three and rushing for one as the Astros kept their playoff hopes alive.
Evergreen Park Stat Pack: Victor Baker scored on a 65-yard run. Quarterback Brandon Lee scored on a 45-yard run. Jared Jackson added a 75-yard touchdown run.
Shepard Stat Pack: Tommy Eyer kicked a 51-yard field goal. Jimmy McClinton passed for three touchdowns and ran for another. Londell Lee had two touchdown catches. Brandon Lucas also hauled in a touchdown pass.
Quotable I: “After a rough start, we started playing our game and got the win," Shepard quarterback Jimmy McClinton said.
Quotable II: “We battled back after a tough loss and now it's one more win and back to the playoffs," Shepard coach Dominic Passolano said.
Team Records: Shepard improves to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the South Suburban Red, while Evergreen Park falls to 5-3 and 3-2.
What’s Next: Evergreen Park closes out the regular season at Reavis, while Shepard will play host to Oak Lawn.
Scores of Interest: Oak Forest 48, Hillcrest 0; Lemont 37, Thornton Fractional North 0; Bremen 27, Reavis 7; Oak Lawn 21, Argo 0. For more scores, visit IHSA ScoreZone.
