Lemont – 49, TF South – 14; team grateful for spring season during pandemic
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (April 24, 2021) – TF South football played the final game of its six-game season on Friday, concluding the COVID-shortened campaign with a loss to the Lemont Indians.
Game summary
Friday’s contest quickly favored Lemont as the Indians promptly scored twice in the first quarter. TF South got on the board late in the first as junior Ernest Temple ran the ball into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown. The PAT was no good.
Temple took over quarterbacking duties from senior Isiah Lewis after Lewis was ejected from the game.
“Ernest didn’t expect to play quarterback, but he got thrown into the fire and he did well,” TF South coach Bob Padjen said.
The halftime score was 28-6 favoring Lemont.
The only other score for TF South came off a 16-yard run from senior Joe Turner in the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion was successful.
The final score for the last game of the year was 49-14.
TF South totaled 118 rushing yards in the game alongside 44 passing yards. The leading rusher for the team was Temple, who ran for 50 yards. The junior also collected all the team’s passing yards. Freshman Charles Miles was TF South’s leading receiver, with 48 receiving yards.
“We didn’t have all the tools in our toolbox that we needed, but the kids still fought, and you’ve got to give them credit,” Padjen said.
Seven turnovers were committed between the two teams, with TF South throwing three interceptions.
Shortened season comes to an end
Due to the changes made to the 2021 season because of COVID, no playoffs are being held this year.
“We call it a dysfunctional season,” Padjen said, adding that some schools like Lemont were able to start preparing for the season and working out over the summer and in the winter — opportunities TF South was not afforded due to COVID protocols.
Although both players and coaches wish the 2021 season could have been more like normal, the group is appreciative that there was a 2021 season at all.
“It was great to play,” Padjen said. He added that football experience for students in their senior years is valuable as some of them are moving on to play football in college.
TF South is located at 18500 Burnham Ave, Lansing, IL.
Related
- TF South baseball bests TF North in annual game at U.S. Steel Yard stadium in Gary (April 21, 2021)
- TF South football blanks district rival TF North in 25-0 win (April 17, 2021)
