Morton charged up for New Trier
By Dave Surico
Morton's last home game produced a lot of electricity. The Mustangs believe it will help power a strong postseason run which begins against New Trier at 3 p.m. Saturday at Morton West High School.
The big 34-0 win over Plainfield was notable for several reasons. It was senior night. It was the team's first match under the lights in the school football stadium. And the team captured the Illini Cup, established by Morton coach Aaron Sweeney and Plainfield leader Steve Krause, who are both Illinois graduates.
Adding to the feel-good vibe of the night was the fact the game was used as a fundraiser to aid Mustang stars Manny Aranda and Mike Waszkowski, both four-year players, and David Vargas defray costs for overseas competition this summer.
"We played very well," said Sweeney. "That felt good."
Morton won the Tier 2 title in 2007 and joined Tier 1 afterwards. Last year the Mustangs took third in the top division. They're ready to take the next step.
"We're physical, but I'd like to think we have some polish too," said Sweeney. "We've got some ballhandling skills. This is the best all-around team we've had since that '07 group. We've got a lot of experience, a lot of guys that trained from last year's team. We've got a good infusion of talent, a good infusion of experience.
"New Trier is a physical team. I think they're bigger than us in a tale of the scales kind of thing. We need to play big to match their size with physicality. Tackling will be a big part of it and rucking will be important too."
New Trier finished fourth in the East Division.
"The first thing we'll have to do is shut down their backs position. Their backs are always very good," said coach Malcolm Hurcombe, whose side had a turnover of 26 players from last season. "We're quite strong in the forwards. We'll step up our defense, make our tackles. We'll be looking for turnovers and counter attacks. We will try to win the ball and quickly strike."
New Trier will be hampered without its injured fly halfs, senior Jack Sheridan and freshman Matthew Laskowski. Hurcombe thinks his club can overcome the adversity.
"I believe that rugby is the ultimate team sport," he said. "My team will have to function well one through 15 Saturday to win the game."
