Grant 34, Zion-Benton 0
Getting a big individual record was one thing for Grant's senior quarterback Pavel Zurkowski, but leading the team to an unbeaten regular season (9-0) carries much more meaning for him.
Zurkowski broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark on the opening drive Friday night. He then tossed 2 touchdowns and rushed for 2 more in leading the Bulldogs past the Zee-Bees 34-0 in a North Suburban crossover in Zion.
"It's a big accomplishment for me, but I'm more proud of the 9-0 season," said Zurkowski who had 18 carries, 120 yards.
"I know it's a big deal because no quarterback has ever hit 1,000 yards in Grant's history, but the 9-0 means a lot more. The O-line did great and the backs opened up the holes for me, everyone played a great game."
Grant posted its first unbeaten season dating back to 1986 and has something to play for heading into the playoffs.
"I'm not worried about the past," Grant coach Kurt Rous said. "I'm worried about going 10-0. We accomplished one goal at 9-0, and now we want to go 10-0 and we'll take it one game at a time in the playoffs."
The Bulldogs' coach believes the team doesn't get the credit it deserves for its great run.
"We came out like we weren't 8-0 and had something to prove. I don't think we get respect and people have underestimated us all season long. Our kids come out and work hard out there."
Zurkowski (7 of 13 for 93 yards) threw for 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter, giving Grant a 14-0 advantage. Tommy Bychowski caught the first one, a 19-yarder and Joe Loris had other from 30 yards.
Then Zurkowski rushed for touchdowns of 2 and 24 yards in the second quarter as the Bulldogs led 27-0 at halftime.
The Bulldogs' Israel Rodriguez (11 carries, 91 yards) added a 12-yard rushing touchdown early in the third quarter for a 34-0 lead.
Grant , held Zion-Benton (1-7) in check for most of the game.
The Zee-Bees were limited to 67 yards in the first half and had a total of 223 yards for the game.
"Defensively, we played well," Rous said. "Our defensive line has been tenacious all season and they did a great job.
"We wanted to set a tone going into the playoffs. The last couple of years we were limping and we're charging in this year."