Lincoln-Way East sinks Sandburg, clinches playoff berth

Lincoln-Way East 31, Sandburg 13

THE SKINNY: In its regular-season home finale, Lincoln-Way East (6-1, 4-1) went ahead 31-7 early in the fourth quarter and clinched another state playoff berth with the SouthWest Suburban Blue win. Sandburg (4-3, 3-2) has games left against Stagg and Bolingbrook.

TURNING POINT: Leading 17-7 at halftime, East took control in the third quarter with good defense and a 54-yard touchdown pass over an open middle from quarterback Jordan Wirtz to Colin O’Connell that capitalized on blitzing linebackers.

THE STAR: Wirtz completed 13-of-26 for 211 yards and two touchdowns.

BY THE NUMBERS: O’Connell’s first of two TDs was a 25-yarder for a 17-7 lead with 44 seconds left in the half. Brian Casey (12 carries, 109 yards) had TD runs of three and 13 yards. Linebacker Luke Epich had two tackles for losses in the third quarter and an interception near the end of the game.

QUOTABLE: “Our coaches made great adjustments. “O” line did a great job and plays opened up. I did my job on some plays, but there’s stuff I need to work on; stay in the pocket, finish my throws.’’ — Wirtz

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