Morgan Park's talented defense shuts out Kenwood; Marcus Thaxton does the rest

Morgan Park’s offense struggled in the first half of the Mustangs’ 20-0 win against Kenwood at Lane. The Broncos’ defense was responsible for that, but the sweltering heat also was a factor.

Mustangs coach Chris James, who calls the offense, passed out on the sideline during his team’s second drive.

“I had to get out of the sun for a while,” James said. “I literally couldn’t coach. It’s shocking that it is this hot. The trainer took care of me, got me some Gatorade and water, and my wife did, too.”

The temperature in Chicago hit 87 degrees Saturday. But it’s much warmer on the plastic-turf high school football fields. There have been estimates that the on-field temperature is 10 to 15 degrees warmer. And shade is a rarity.

“I couldn’t call the plays,” James said. “The kids looked at me and asked what was wrong. I called two timeouts back-to-back. I just couldn’t think.”

The No. 19 Mustangs were able to depend on their defense in the rough first half and throughout the game. Ahmad Grayer and Jovan Clark had interceptions. Clark, Jahmare Washington, Demetris Rule, Josiah Scott and Mekhi Hubbard picked up sacks.

“We hold each other accountable,” Clark said. “This game is really big. It’s always the talk, this rivalry. But they are just in our way to our goal. The shutout feels amazing. That’s tremendous. You don’t see that for four quarters too often.”

Morgan Park (3-1, 2-0 Public Red) scored on its first play of the third quarter. Marcus Thaxton connected with Nasir Rankin for a 70-yard touchdown. Three minutes later, Thaxton found Terrance Gurley for a 39-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.

“I had to take it in my hands and make something happen,” Thaxton said. “Once we scored, we woke up and just kept it rolling.”

Thaxton was 11-for-17 for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Pierre Jackson caught four passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. Rankin had three catches for 114 yards.

“I love playing in these type of games,” Thaxton said. “It’s just fun with the rivalry and all the people out to see us.”

Kenwood (1-3, 1-1) plays its home games at Lane. The Broncos made the move to the North Side stadium several years ago.

“I hate playing at Lane,” James said. “I don’t like the travel. I love the historic site of Gately Stadium, and I think we are taking away from that.”

Senior running back Isaiah Shannon had 15 carries for 58 yards for Kenwood. Sophomore quarterback Korey Shavers was 9-for-20 for 74 yards with two interceptions.

The Broncos have a new coach, Chris Goffer, and graduated all of the dynamic playmakers on offense from last season.

“We’re playing with our third-string QB and have to find a way to win,” Goffer said. “We made some key mistakes in the third quarter on defense, and that changed the game.”

It has been a successful start overall for the Broncos, who were competitive against two ranked teams, Morgan Park and St. Francis.

“It’s a new staff, and the kids are getting used to new calls and plays and the change of culture,” Goffer said. “But there is still half a season left, and the kids are moving in the right direction.”