FOOTBALL: Richards Downs Oak Lawn in Crosstown Clash, 18-7

Breaking It Down: Richards' tailback Tommy Mister and the rest of the Bulldogs offense ground opened the game with two touchdown drives, of 51- and 58-yards respectively. Mister totaled 74 yards and two scores on the drives, putting the Bulldogs up 12-0 with 3:40 left in the first quarter. Richards added another touchdown on a Hasan Muhammad-Rogers to Ryan Willett pass to make it 18-0 at the half, but the fight wasn't gone from Oak Lawn.

The Spartans charged out of the gates to open the second half, dominating the time of possession in the third quarter and finally pushing across the goal line on a Bob Olsen touchdown to Drew Everett. However, the Spartans squandered two golden opportunities in the redzone late when the Bulldogs clamped down on defense and Oak lawn couldn't finish the late rally, ending the game 18-7 in Richards' favor.

Patch’s MVP: Tommy Mister, running back, Richards. Mister carried the rock 17 times for 135 yards and two scores. Mister got the ball rolling early, totaling 74 yards on the Bulldogs first two drives and notching scores to cap both.

Richards Stat Pack: Hasan Muhammad-Rogers tossed a touchdown pass, while going 5-of-7 for 62 yards. Drew Everett nabbed a 34-yard touchdown grab. The Bulldogs special teams blocked a field goal, while the defense didn't allow Oak Lawn to cross the 50-yard line until the third quarter.

Oak Lawn Stat Pack: Darius James rushed for 89 yards on 26 carries. Quarterback Bob Olsen tossed a touchdown pass and an interception. Kyle Kuzur had a tackle for loss.

Quotable I: “My O-line was blocking their butts off, so were the receivers. We just came out and punched them in the mouth.” - Richards running back Tommy Mister on the game's first two drives.

Quotable II: “They're damn good, they hunkered down. … Their mentality is they don't want to be scored upon. They're pissed off that they let one up, and that's what we want to see.” - Richards coach Tony Sheehan on his defense.

Team Records: Richards improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play in the South Suburban Red. The loss drops Oak Lawn Community High School to 1-4 on the year and 1-2 in the South Suburban Red.

What’s Next: Oak Lawn Community High School next plays Evergreen Park at home, at 7 p.m. Sept. 28. Richards will play T.F. North at home at 7 p.m., Sept. 28.

Scores of Interest: Evergreen Park 47, Argo 12; T.F. South 22, Tinley Park 21. For more scores, check out the IHSA Score Zone.