By Joseph Phillips
Sports writer, Chicago Crusader Newspaper
The Kenwood Broncos football team made history on Saturday night, after earning a 20-14 victory over Riverside Brookfield in the first round of the 2019 IHSA State Playoffs held at Gately Stadium.
The win marked the first time a Broncos team advanced to the second round of the state playoffs under the coaching tenure of head coach Sinque Turner.
Turner said after the game he was elated about the victory.
“It’s un-explainable. Words can’t even explain (what I’m feeling right now)” said Turner after winning his first ever state playoff game. “I’m just super, super elated and happy.”
With only three days of practice time due to the 11 day CPS teachers strike layoff, coach Turner and the 7th seeded Broncos fought back from a 14-0 deficit on Saturday night and would explode for 20 unanswered points over three quarters.
The rally started late in the first half, after Broncos quarterback Kaleb Garner used his legs and rushed for a 11 yard touchdown run trimming the lead to 14-7 with 20 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Prior to the touchdown, Garner rushed for a big first down to help give his team some offensive momentum going into the half.
“It was a statement game,” said Garner. “All we had to do is come out and win. And show the world what we are all about.”
Garner’s first half rushing performance may have motivated teammate and Broncos feature running back Lewis Bond. Who opened the second half with a 42-yard touchdown run from scrimmage with 11:18 remaining in the third quarter. The touchdown by Bond helped trim the Bulldogs lead to 14-13, in spite of a failed extra point attempt.
“It was a important win,” said Bond after the victory. “We prepared all week, (in spite of the teachers) strike.”
After Bonds scored, the Broncos special teams forced a huge fumble with 10:38 remaining in the quarter, sending the Kenwood crowd into an uproar.
The fumble gave the Broncos offense another scoring opportunity and their chance to take their first lead of the game.
“(It was a) important (win) and a good momentum builder,” said Donald Dillion, star cornerback of the Broncos. “It was cold at first but once we got acclimated (to the weather) and warmed up, we started rolling.”
And with 7:35 remaining in the quarter, running back Lewis Bond kept rolling, scoring this time on a 18 yard TD run, given his team the lead for good at 20-14.
Bond finished with a game high 107 rushing yards on 22 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Final Score: Kenwood 20, Riverside Brookfield 14.
On Saturday November 9, the Broncos will play Deerfield High School in the 2nd Round of the Class 6A IHSA State Playoffs. Game time 1 p.m. at Deerfield High School.
Chicago Crusader Newspaper Player of The Game:
RB Lewis Bond, Kenwood, 107 yards, 22 carries, 2 Touchdowns.
Joseph G. Phillips is a sports writer and radio DJ from the south side of Chicago.
Phillips is a 15 year sports veteran with a background in sports reporting, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing and business administration.
He has worked for media outlets such as WGN news, Comcast Sports Net Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Defender, and the Hyde Park Herald.
Joseph G. Phillips is a sports writer and radio DJ from the south side of Chicago. Phillips is a 15 year sports veteran with a background in sports reporting, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing and business administration. He has worked for media outlets such as WGN news, Comcast Sports Net Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Defender, and the Hyde Park Herald. Phillips is currently the host of “The SC Media News and Sports Network Q and A Radio Show,” which airs every two Wednesday’s out of the month on WHPK 88.5 FM Radio Chicago.
