Sunset over Bennett Field during varsity football game on Aug. 30 (Schmidt/LION).

LT’s rushing attack proved to be lethal in the first game of the season, with a 38-21 victory over the visiting Prospect Knights on Aug. 30. LT’s offense got hot early, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and continuing that success later in the second half. 

The first quarter was a long one for the Knights. Running back Danny Carroll ‘25 got the early scoring started with LT’s first touchdown on the first drive of the season. Defensive end and tight end Patrick Cheney ‘26 ended up playing at running back and scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter.  Defensive back and wide receiver Mack Long ‘25 reeled in two interceptions to help assert LT’s dominance in the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, Prospect’s offense finally caught fire, scoring two long rushing touchdowns courtesy of their quarterback, with one of those coming on fourth and short from 23 yards out. Prospect gained some momentum before the end of the half, trailing by just seven points entering the break, only down 21-14. 

In the second half, Carroll tallied two more rushing scores, resulting in a single game career-high three touchdowns in the game, with one coming on the opening drive of the second half and the other coming later in the third quarter. LT’s defensive front proved to command the line of scrimmage, chasing the Prospect quarterback after nearly every snap. 

LT kicker AJ Vavrik ‘25 sealed LT’s win with a late field goal to put the Lions up by three scores with seven minutes left. Up 38-21, LT ran the rest of the clock out on the final possession, milking the last four minutes of the clock to officially give them their first win of the season in the season opener. 

The Lions will play on the road for the next two games, playing at Wheaton Warrenville South on Sept. 6, and playing at Hinsdale Central on Sept. 13 before returning home for the Homecoming game on Sept. 21 against Glenbard West.