FRANKFORT – With the Dave McKay Gridiron Grail on the line, there’s always a great effort from Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way Central.
The game is special to all involved, but it seemed like it meant a little more to Lincoln-Way East cornerback Henry Woods, who spent his first three seasons at Lincoln-Way Central before playing his senior season with the Griffins.
“I was a part of that program for three years. Great guys over there,” Woods said. “It was a really special game for all of us, but for me especially. I’m happy I got to make a play and everything. It was a great game for us.”
Woods aided the Griffins’ defensive effort as the Knights didn’t get a first down in the game’s final three quarters, helping the Griffins to a 41-0 victory.
The defense was excellent, but all three phases of the game were outstanding for Lincoln-Way East, which recovered two fumbled kickoffs on special teams.
“There’s a big emphasis in this program here on special teams,” Woods said. “You won’t find that at a lot of high schools. Every single day we work special teams and it shows here.”
Coach Rob Zvonar raved about his team’s performance.
“I really felt good about all three phases of the game from a football standpoint,” Zvonar said. “What I was even more pleased with was how much they’re out here enjoying playing football after everything they’ve been through for 13 months. Not only that but how much they enjoy being together.”
Zvonar even has a name for that type of excellent play.
“We call it the magic place,” he said, “when you get all three phases of the game at an elite level.”
There was no shortage of magic Friday for the Griffins. Running back Jamal Johnson scored the first two touchdowns of the game to put East up two scores. Quarterback Sean Walsh found Jack Tremblay for a 15-yard score to take a 21-point lead after one quarter. Walsh found Mason Pierre-Antoine for a 7-yard score, and Connor Kubik ran one in from 9 yards out, giving the Griffins a commanding 34-0 lead heading into halftime. Travis Henry Jr. scored in the third quarter to start the running clock.
The huge lead allowed Zvonar to get all of his players in the game, something that tends to make coaches feel good.
“Our second, third or even fourth units, the level of play stayed at a very high level,” Zvonar said. “I think we’re close to 90 on our roster and I think we got everyone in the game. I’m really proud of the overall program tonight.”
Everyone was able to get in the game, but one particular player caused a genuine burst of happiness from the East sideline. Senior Mike Kozak got in the game to kick several extra points. Kozak hadn’t played organized football with the Griffins until this season. He made the final two kicks, which brought the loudest cheers of the game.
“We’re very proud of Mike Kozak,” Zvonar said. “We wanted to give him that opportunity as a senior. Mikey is out here working every day. I catch him out here on his own on the weekends and late at night kicking. He really worked his tail off for this opportunity.”
Kozak’s teammates spoke glowingly about his effort on the field. “This is his first year actually playing football, and he came out here and he worked really hard. He’s someone people look up to. He works really hard,” Pierre-Antoine said. “He’s never played football before, and he really showed out. It means so much, because we love Mike. Seeing him succeed is special to everyone.”
Lincoln-Way East will take on Lockport next week.