Huskies Steamrolled by Record-Setting Performance

Oak Park-River Forest had no answer for Downers Grove North senior running back Freddy Palma as he punched in seven touchdowns, a Trojans' record, during a 56-20 defeat Friday night.

The loss ends the Huskies' season, but head coach Jom Nudera said he was happy with his seniors' final performance.

"The seniors gave it their all," he said. "They put it all out on the table. That's all you could ask. I'm proud of our kids and we will regroup for next year."

Overall, the Huskies (2-7, 0-6 West Suburban Conference Silver) allowed the Trojans to gain 326 yards rushing. Palma racked up 227 yards en route to his seven touchdowns.

Former Illinois player Kyle Kleckner, who had six touchdowns in a game, previously held the Downers North record

Nudera said the Trojans (2-7, 1-5 WSC Silver) were difficult to defend against.

"They have a very good executing set with their option," he said. "We weren't able to squeeze and stay those windows that were open. So we struggled a little bit especially with the trap early in the second half. They did a really good job and executed really well."

Special teams were also a sore spot for the Huskies.

North seniors Conner Edwards and Anthony Grippando blocked back-to-back punts, setting up short fields for Palma scores.  OPRF also fumbled a punt away.

The Trojans' defense disrupted Oak Park's passing game. Huskies' junior quarterback John Phelan could not get into a rhythm with his receivers, missing open teammates for incomplete passes.

Phelan did have three completions for 17 or more yards and ran for three first downs.

"We had a little bit of a problem with our routes," Nudera said. "They blitzed us at times, but there are things that we aren't doing properly."

One bright spot for OPRF was senior running back Tony Stapleton, who rushed for 137 yards and two scores.

"We knew all along that we could run the ball on them," Stapleton said. "When I got my opportunity, I took advantage of it. All the seniors knew it was the last game. It was my last game, so I gave it my all."

The Trojans struck first with three quick touchdowns from Palma, including a 27-yard run. Stapleton got Oak Park on the board with a 21-yard scamper, breaking through numerous tackles to shrink the Huskie deficit to 21-7.

North senior wide receiver Joseph Fox fielded an awkward squib kick. He then dodged some Huskies while streaking to an 82-yard touchdown return, making it 28-7 Trojans.

Answering Fox's run, Stapleton sped 70 yards to the end zone, making it 28-14.

The Huskies then stopped North on defense. Stapleton had a 24-yard carry that Trojans' senior linebacker Zachary Augustine prevented a score.

The next play, though, saw a reverse from Phelan to Stapleton to senior wide receiver Francis Bourke for a 25-yard tally, closing the gap 28-20.

Immediately, Palma burst through Husky defenders to a 54-yard touchdown while shaking off Park senior defensive back Dan Brennan tackle.

"He's a tough runner," Brennan said. "It's tough to get him down, but you have to go out there and give your hardest effort to get him on the turf."

Then, the Trojans' defense got the ball back and Palma scored for a 42-20 halftime hole.

North forced two Palma touchdowns in the second half with a 1-yard score under a minute left giving him the single-game touchdown record.

Brennan and the defense still played like the game was close. He closely defended North senior tight end Tyler Mason, forcing the 6'5" target to drop catches.

Brennan hit Mason hard, jarring the ball loose as Oak Park senior defensive back Zach Draus intercepted it.