With only three points on the board in the second quarter, LT’s normally explosive offense knew it needed a big play to get things rolling, especially after missing a few big play opportunities. That play came on a 72-yard touchdown throw from quarterback Ben Bryant ‘18 to wide receiver Nate Rusk ‘18. Rusk ran a sharp route to the middle of the field that left him wide open and Bryant zipped a pass straight into his chest. With nothing but open field ahead, Rusk used his breakaway speed to take the pass all the way to the end zone.

“After a slow start we needed to start clicking and the coaches saw that the middle of the field was wide open,” Rusk said. “Once our offense gets going it is really hard to stop.”

Following the long pass to Rusk, Bryant and the LT offense never looked back as they went on to win their home opener by a score of 31-7 against Hinsdale South. Bryant finished with three touchdown passes, including a 44-yard bomb on the run to Brandon Fischer ‘18.

Unlike the offense, it took no time for LT’s defense to settle in. The strong defensive unit was stout all night long, as they intercepted Hinsdale South three times, highlighted by a pick six in the third quarter by J.J. Dutton ‘19.

“It’s very reassuring to know that our defense will get [the offense] the ball back,” Rusk said. “It’s a huge part of why we are successful.”

The win moves LT to 2-0 on the season and drops Hinsdale South to 1-1. Next Friday, the Lions open up conference play at York.