Harper rolls past Joliet

After a shaky first half, the Harper football team came together and dominated visiting Joliet Junior College over the final two quarters, winning the region IV semifinal 28-7 Saturday.

Hawks quarterback Matthew Brandt started in place of Garrett Barnas, who injured his right shoulder last week against Rock Valley College. Brandt filled in ably, throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown.

The two second-year quarterbacks tag-teamed the first drive of the third quarter, which saw Harper storm 78 yards down the field on 11 plays. Second-year wide receiver John Baldwin capped the drive with a 19-yard touchdown reception to give the Hawks their first lead of the game.

"We were just trying to move the ball, get first downs and gain momentum," Brandt said. "As soon as we got the momentum it was easier to throw the ball. In the second half it seemed like we got more comfortable."

The Harper defense deserves a fair share of the credit, surrendering only 67 yards on the ground and 41 yards through the air. The only touchdown the Wolves scored came on D'Andre Durr's 70-yard interception return in the first quarter.

Hawks coach Dragan Teonic made the necessary adjustments in the second half to give Harper's offense the boost it needed.

"Joliet did some interesting things to take away our run game, so we were forced to throw a little more than we wanted to," Teonic said."But it's just a matter of taking what the defense gives you. We were able to establish a little better mix between run and pass."

Harper will face the College of Dupage in the final on Saturday.