Two of the state’s traditional Class 8A state powerhouses clashed Friday in Frankfort: No. 2 Lincoln-Way East against No. 5 Maine South.
Both teams have star quarterbacks and highly recruited, experienced stars. Not one of the thousands of fans that packed the stands could have imagined they would watch unknown junior Brady Gish run for 203 yards and three touchdowns in the Griffins’ 49-22 win.
“Honestly I came into the game a little nervous,” Gish said. “First time on varsity. But I knew I had to step up as soon as I heard [starting running back Zion Gist] was out.”
Gist, a Western Michigan recruit, left the game after four carries and Lincoln-Way East (1-0) turned to Gish. He scored on a one-yard run late in the first half and broke out for TD runs of 65 and 33 yards in the second half.
“The O-line did everything for me, just constantly working,” Gish said. “I can’t take the credit. They made this game.”
Oregon recruit Jonas Williams, a Bolingbrook transfer, put on a show. The highly-regarded junior was 25-for-39 passing for 355 yards. He threw four TD passes and one interception.
“[Gish] stepped up and played huge for us,” Wiliams said. “We’re all excited for him.”
The Griffins led 21-10 at halftime. Maine South (0-1) pulled within 21-16 on Constantine Coines’ 26-yard TD pass to Mason Patras early in the third quarter.
Lincoln-Way East responded in style. Williams connected with Talan White on a 66-yard TD pass to put the Griffins ahead 28-16 and they never looked back.
Maine South only had 10 men on the field for that play. The Hawks had starters cramping up regularly and a player ran off the field right before White’s long TD.
“They are a good team and there are going to be mistakes,” Maine South coach Dave Inserra said. “But I’m disappointed in our conditioning. We were down to fifth string guys and that’s not good.”
Lincoln-Way East’s first-team defense held the Hawks to just 16 rushing yards. Coines was 17 of 28 passing for 194 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.
Maine South throws an INT and Jonas Williams capitalizes on the next play, connects with Keagan Ruane on a 29-yard TD.
Griffins lead 14-0, 1Q. pic.twitter.com/tkvhkPgmT8
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) August 31, 2024
“All the things happen in the first game, cramping and adversity,” Griffins coach Rob Zvonar said. “There was a ton of it. I’m sure they feel the same. But to come out here with a win against one of the top teams in the state is just outstanding. There’s so much respect for Maine South, doing what they do every year. Outstanding players and coaches.”
Williams’ debut with his new school lived up to the hype. He connected with seven different receivers. White had 11 four catches for 134 yards and two TDS. MJ Schley and Keagan Ruane also caught TD passes.
“I definitely clicked [with the receivers,” Williams said. “But in any sport, the more you are with your teammates the better your chemistry gets. So we are a work in progress.”