FOOTBALL: Bolingbrook Pummels Homewood-Flossmoor in Homecoming Game

Breaking It Down: It was about the running game for much of the game between the Bolingbrook and Homewood-Flossmoor. The Raiders set the tone early with a 55-yard touchdown by quarterback Aaron Bailey on the third play from scrimmage. For the first time this year, however, Bolingbrook had an opponent who could respond. The Vikings kept the Raiders off-balance in the first quarter and scored on a 19-yard run by back Lionel James to give them a 7-6 lead. Bailey and the Raiders went on the attack immediately and scored 19 unanswered points in the first half to take a 25-7 lead at the half. 

Vikings back Taje Smith cut the Raiders’ lead to 25-14 with an 11-yard catch early in the third quarter. After a quick touchdown by RB Jaden Huff to make it a 31-14 game, Vikings QB Ronald Johnson went deep with a 44-yard strike to WR Patrick Sheehan to cut the lead down to 31-21 going into the fourth. 

Bailey, however, was too much for the Vikings. He led a six-minute drive in the fourth that culminated in his third rushing touchdown of the night. The Vikings could not respond and Raiders RB Omar Stover capped the night with a 48-yard rushing touchdown to give the Raiders a 45-21 lead. A late pass to Sheehan gave Johnson a solid evening, but he was still looking up at Bailey in a fairly one-sided 45-28 victory for the Raiders. 

Patch’s MVP: Aaron Bailey, Bolingbrook. The star QB had 20 carries for 170 yards and three touchdowns. He was also 4-of-4 through the air for 76 yards. All of them came on crucial plays for the Raiders. 

Bolingbrook Stat Pack: RB Omar Stover had 10 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns. RB Jaden Huff had seven carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns. The Raiders, however, struggled with extra points. They successfully converted on only two of their seven touchdowns. 

Homewood-Flossmoor Stat Pack: Vikings QB Ronald Johnson went 9-of-17 passing with three touchdowns and one interception. RB Taje Smith had 16 carries for 63 yards and an 11-yard TD reception. WR Patrick Sheehan had four receptions for 76 yards and two TD catches. 

Quotable I: Bolingbrook QB Aaron Bailey about the homecoming game: “We were excited. We wanted to keep it rolling and keep it going. Keep the offense out there all night.” 

Quotable II: Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow: “These guys, this offense, this was pretty much the same team that won the state championship last year. They should be in sync as a team and they did well.” 

Team Records: Bolingbrook is 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Southwest Suburban Blue conference play. Homewood-Flossmoor falls to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the SW Suburban Blue. 

What’s Next: The Raiders play at unbeaten Lincoln-Way East on September 28. The Vikings host Lockport on September 28. 

Scores of Interest: Lincoln-Way East defeated Sandburg 28-7. For more scores, go to ihsa scorezeone.