LT looking for Homecoming boost
By Matt Le Cren
Football usually takes center stage during Homecoming festivities at most high schools.
Not at Lyons Township.
While the football team traditionally plays their Homecoming game on Saturday afternoon at Bennett Field, the lights of Friday night are reserved for the soccer team.
It’s a tradition that has been going on since before Paul Labbato became head coach a decade ago and will continue Friday night when the Lions host Reavis.
This year’s game will have a double celebration as it also is LT’s Senior Night.
“We’re wrapping it all up into one,” Labbato said. “(Friday night) is just so different for soccer. We get a big crowd.”
Turnout depends on the weather, which is expected to be warm. While Reavis won’t be as big a draw as archrival Hinsdale Central, which visits the following Friday, Labbato anticipates a festive atmosphere.
The Lions (5-3-1) could use it as they have gotten off to a slower start than usual thanks to a difficult schedule and some key injuries. They have lost to state title contenders Naperville North and Libertyville as well as up-and-coming Streamwood, but they bounced back to beat Minooka on Tuesday.
The Lions have been playing without three starters, including senior starting defenders Sam DeBoer and Tate Riordan. Sophomore center midfielder Joey Fitzgerald, one of the team’s top prospects, also is out. Labbato expects all three to return to action within a week, though their services for the Reavis game are in doubt.
In Reavis, the Lions face an opponent which they know little about. The Rams have always played the Lions tough and have won regional titles the past two seasons.
“They’re a good team and we struggled in this game more often than not,” Labbato said. “Reavis loves coming to this game because they want to get a sectional-style situation. They love that opportunity and we love having them.
“We know they can play and every few years they’re really fantastic and put a lot of pressure on us and that’s where the trap is. Our kids don’t know a lot about them but they have a lot of good players and they’re well-coached.”
So are the Lions, who are still rounding into shape and trying to figure out who will score goals on a consistent basis. Once they do that, they could set themselves up for a run at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division championship and another good postseason run.
Candidates include Charlie Clark and Charlie Hall. The two seniors have shined up top and in the midfield, respectively.
“Charlie Hall is a real workhorse up and down the field,” Labbato said. “Clark is pretty outstanding. He’s got a few goals and plenty of assists. He’s doing a great job.”
By Matt Le Cren
Football usually takes center stage during Homecoming festivities at most high schools.
Not at Lyons Township.
While the football team traditionally plays their Homecoming game on Saturday afternoon at Bennett Field, the lights of Friday night are reserved for the soccer team.
It’s a tradition that has been going on since before Paul Labbato became head coach a decade ago and will continue Friday night when the Lions host Reavis.
This year’s game will have a double celebration as it also is LT’s Senior Night.
“We’re wrapping it all up into one,” Labbato said. “(Friday night) is just so different for soccer. We get a big crowd.”
Turnout depends on the weather, which is expected to be warm. While Reavis won’t be as big a draw as archrival Hinsdale Central, which visits the following Friday, Labbato anticipates a festive atmosphere.
The Lions (5-3-1) could use it as they have gotten off to a slower start than usual thanks to a difficult schedule and some key injuries. They have lost to state title contenders Naperville North and Libertyville as well as up-and-coming Streamwood, but they bounced back to beat Minooka on Tuesday.
The Lions have been playing without three starters, including senior starting defenders Sam DeBoer and Tate Riordan. Sophomore center midfielder Joey Fitzgerald, one of the team’s top prospects, also is out. Labbato expects all three to return to action within a week, though their services for the Reavis game are in doubt.
In Reavis, the Lions face an opponent which they know little about. The Rams have always played the Lions tough and have won regional titles the past two seasons.
“They’re a good team and we struggled in this game more often than not,” Labbato said. “Reavis loves coming to this game because they want to get a sectional-style situation. They love that opportunity and we love having them.
“We know they can play and every few years they’re really fantastic and put a lot of pressure on us and that’s where the trap is. Our kids don’t know a lot about them but they have a lot of good players and they’re well-coached.”
So are the Lions, who are still rounding into shape and trying to figure out who will score goals on a consistent basis. Once they do that, they could set themselves up for a run at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division championship and another good postseason run.
Candidates include Charlie Clark and Charlie Hall. The two seniors have shined up top and in the midfield, respectively.
“Charlie Hall is a real workhorse up and down the field,” Labbato said. “Clark is pretty outstanding. He’s got a few goals and plenty of assists. He’s doing a great job.”