Sutker, Sledd power Highland Park

Highland Park quarterback Tommy Sutker threw three touchdown passes, and halfback Andrew Sledd scored two rushing touchdowns, as the host Giants defeated Maine East 35-15 Friday night.

With his team leading 14-7 at halftime, Sledd (seven carries, 122 yards) scored on the first offensive play of the second half, a 70-yard run, breaking three tackles near the line of scrimmage.

“We were really pleased how we came out that second half,” Highland Park coach Hal Chiodo said. “I think Andrew’s run broke their back.”

Two of Sutker’s scoring passes were thrown to Noah Pickus (39 and 21 yards), while his third touchdown was a 40-yard pass to Grant Paley.

Paley and Luke Norcia each had an interception for the Giants (2-4, 2-0 Central Suburban North), while linebacker Jason Goldsmith led both teams with 14 tackles.

Maine East (2-4, 0-2) used a 14-play, 80-yard drive to tie the score at 7-7 in the first quarter, with Mike Kuzebski scoring on an 8-yard run. Kuzebski netted 85 yards on the ground with 12 carries, also adding a 15-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Alex Corey. Maine East fullback Javed Lukovic ran 20 times for 96 yards.

“It was like a pick-up football game,” Sutker said regarding his team’s five touchdowns of at least 21 yards. “We had a lot of fun.”