Leyden's playoff hopes dashed

The playoffs may not begin until next week, but Addison Trail was in full postseason mode Friday night at Leyden.

The Blazers came to Northlake with a 4-4 record, knowing a win would almost assure them of moving on while a loss would end their season.

"Coach (Paul Parpet Jr.) said our playoffs begin tonight," said AT junior running back Anthony Catanese. "He told us it's time to start the postseason 1 and 0."

Catanese did his part for the Blazers with a 68-yard touchdown run, while teammate Anthony Messina rushed for 100 yards and two fourth quarter touchdowns as AT (5-4, 5-1) defeated Leyden 20-7 in the West Suburban Gold to become playoff-eligible.

Leyden also entered the game with a 4-4 mark, but AT's strong defensive effort, which included 5 sacks, turned the tide in the Blazers' favor.

"I thought we'd be able to move the ball better tonight," said Leyden coach Tom Cerasani. "I wasn't too happy with our passing game, but you've got to give a lot of credit to Addison Trail. They had a well-executed game plan."

After Catanese's long run gave AT a 7-0 halftime lead, the Eagles struck back in the third quarter.

Leyden QB Joey DiFronzo somehow escaped from the Blazers relentless pass rush and found Andres Orrego wide open in the end zone for a 19-yard game-tying touchdown pass.

Leyden (4-5, 3-3) had a late drive to try and tie the game up, but an athletic, over-the-shoulder interception by AT) defensive back Vince Beltrano stymied the Eagles.

Leyden tailback Justin Bolo rushed 20 times for 33 yards and the Blazers held the Eagles to 93 yards of total offense.

"We didn't make enough big plays or take advantage of our momentum when we needed to," said Cerasani, "but again, you've got to give a lot of credit for that to AT."