SUMMIT | T.F. South didn't show a great deal against Argo, but the mere presence of Saleem Sanford on the field Friday night was enough for the win.
Sanford ran for 216 yards and three touchdowns, and caught a pass from Peyton Padjen for another score, in the Rebels' 39-6 victory over Argo.
That was only his production from the first half. His big contribution in the second half was his third interception of the season.
The victory was the seventh straight for the Rebels following their opening-week loss to Crete-Monee. Next week comes the regular season finale, an argument with Oak Forest. That, and Lemont's outcome, will have a great impact on which of the three teams wins the South Suburban Blue.
"We're sitting on top of the conference and they want to be where we're at," T.F. South coach Tom Padjen said of the showdown with the Bengals. "It's a huge game."
For the moment, the Rebels can yell about knocking off Argo, a game but undermanned outfit.
"Man, we've got unlimited potential," Sanford said. "I really see us making a strong drive in the playoffs. I'm hoping for a great season.
"We're looking all right, but there's always room for improvement."
Sanford needed only nine carries to pile up his rushing yardage, scoring on runs of 91, 56 and 1 yard before 16 minutes had elapsed. The 91-yard dash, a ramble down the right sideline, came on the game's first play from scrimmage. His 56-yard jaunt came on his fifth carry. His 16-yard scoring reception from Peyton Padjen (3-of-4, 86 yards) came with a minute to play in the first half, earning the Rebels a 27-6 halftime lead.
After that, the Argonauts (2-6) played with less drive, though quarterback Jason Noel, who would like an offensive line for Christmas, completed 12-of-19 passes for 122 yards despite getting sacked seven times. The Rebels had eight sacks overall.
"Early on we looked sharp offensively, and defensively, we did a little bending," Padjen said. "And everybody got to play. The scout team got to get on the field for basically the entire second half."
And the starters were able to rest, watch the minutes count down, and start thinking about Oak Forest.
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