Rebels roll past Titans on homecoming

LANSING | It was a damp but sweet homecoming for T.F. South.

After heavy rains and lightning delayed the start of the sophomore game by 30 minutes, the Rebels poured it on visiting Tinley Park 41-6 once the main attraction got under way in Friday's South Suburban Blue conference battle.

Playing through a steady drizzle, the Rebels (3-2, 2-1) racked up the yards on the ground and air, while the Titans (1-4, 0-3) played like the wet conditions bothered them.

"It was a great effort under not the best field conditions, but that's Rebel football," South coach Tom Padjen said.

Junior quarterback Kevin Hallberg directed the show for the Rebels, who moved over the .500 mark for the first time this season.

"It was a huge win," Hallberg said. "This is a good conference win and good one to get ready for Lemont. It was a great team effort. The offensive line did a great job, and they gave me plenty of time to throw. When the offensive line does their job, it makes it easier for me."

Ben Jones and Christian Gonzalez ran for touchdowns in the first half, while Hallberg connected with Justin Smith on a 5-yard TD pass for a 21-0 lead.

Hallberg was 8-of-11 passing with 129 yards and a touchdown.

Jones rushed for 73 yards and caught three passes for another 78 yards. Gonzalez finished with 63 yards rushing and 29 receiving.

Padjen also was pleased with the defense, led by junior linebacker Robert Sterling.

"Defensively, we did a good job of shutting down their spread offense," Padjen said. "We had a lot of different guys contributing. It was nice on homecoming to be able to give 50 guys on the football team a chance to play."

The Rebels host Lemont next Friday.

PREP FOOTBALL

T.F. South 41, Tinley Park 6

Kevin Hallberg's 129 yards passing led the Rebels in the South Suburban Blue win.