Bartlett shuts down Thornwood

The Bartlett Hawks put together a full game Saturday afternoon when they took the trip to South Holland to play the Thornwood Thunderbirds.

The Hawks (3-5) dominated the Thunderbirds in all aspects of the game, offense, defense and special teams, leading to a 27-0 nonconference win.

Offensively, Bartlett was lead by sophomore quarterback A.J. Bilyeu (19-of-26, 151 yards) and senior wide receiver Zach Konstanzer (8 catches, 83 yards). The duo set up short touchdown runs by junior Aaron Thabuteau (4 carries, 20 yards, 1 TD), Andy Puccini and a 2-yard run by senior offensive lineman Brendan Bauers.

"We worked hard all week, said Bilyeu. We've been fighting all year for wins."

Defensively, the Hawks didn't allow the Thunderbirds' offense to get in-sync. The defense sacked Thornwood quarterbacks twice and was in their face all game long. The pressure by the defensive front led to an early second quarter interception by defensive back Wade Roesner.

The special teams for Bartlett showed up early, too. Late in the first quarter with Thornwood punting just outside of their end zone, senior Mike Crain powered his way into the backfield to block the punt for his first career varsity touchdown.

"The coaches called for pressure on the punter," said Crain." I lined head-up on my man and heard him callout another number. I knew I wasn't going to be blocked. I was able to make my way past their up-backs, get a hand on the ball and fall on it in the end zone."

It's been a tough season for the Hawks, but head coach Tom Meaney pointed out the youth in his football team with many key players coming back including his quarterback, who is gaining leadership.

"We've been in a lot of close games," he said. "It meant something to put a complete game together."