Oak Lawn Trounces Kenwood After 2-Hour Lightning Delay

A line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the southwest suburbs on Friday night disrupted opening night for high school football around the Chicago region causing many teams to postpone their games.

The first line of storms caused the cancellation of Oak Lawn Community High School’s sophomore game. The stands were evacuated and players, students and fans took shelter in the high school gym and cafeteria.

By the time the ring of fire subsided in the sky, the cheerleaders, dance team and band had been dismissed before the Oak Lawn Spartans finally took the field at 9:30 p.m.

There was still some lightning left on Napleton Field as OLCHS junior running back Ray Howard dominated Kenwood by scoring five touchdowns

Kicker Byron Duran -- described by OLCHS Coach Sean Lucas as “a weapon” -- kicked six extra points for the Spartans with the precision of a sharpshooter.

Wide receiver Tyler Loehr scored the sixth Spartan touchdown.

Across town, the Richards Bulldogs postponed their game against the Harlan Falcons until 2 p.m. Saturday.

Watch the video of Spartan running back Ray Howard’s five touchdowns.

Catch the replay of Oak Lawn Community High School’s season opener in its entirety.