Addison Trail punches its postseason ticket
Addison Trail's first goal for the 2014 season was achieved Friday night.
In spoiling Morton's homecoming and winning 40-14, the Blazers have earned a playoff spot.
Coming off consecutive 2-win seasons, Addison Trail reached the 6-win mark in as many games to stay undefeated. Despite a slow opening quarter, the game was dominated in every aspect by the Blazers.
"The goal for tonight was to qualify for the playoffs," Addison Trail coach Paul Parpet said. "Get our sixth win of the year. It feels great, it's exciting for our young men. I don't think it's something they realize how exciting it is until you're actually there."
The game was virtually over by the time the halftime horn rang. After going scoreless in the 1st quarter, the Blazers rattled off 5 touchdowns in 10 minutes. Quarterback Mike Rybarczyk accounted for 3 of them himself, running in 2 and completing another to running back Jake Atiyeh.
Addison Trail used its stable of running backs to slash the Mustangs defense, and a big-play passing game helped keep the Blazers balanced.
"It's honestly the best feeling in the world," Rybarczyk said. "Especially coming off 2 consecutive 2-7 seasons on varsity, it's just a great thing. Everyone's behind us with suppport. We're 6-0 and in the playoffs now."
Parpet said it was his team's desire to win that accounted for the outburst of scoring. He quickly added that Addison Trail will need to focus on the fundamentals if it wants to achieve their next goal, which is winning a West Suburban Gold title.
The few mistakes Addison Trail made happened late in the game. After Jaavion Bradley caught a Rybarczyk touchdown pass, the Blazers were up 40-0 and the clock ran for the rest of the game. The Mustangs scored their touchdowns on back-to-back drives to finish the game.
The Blazers aren't being shy about what they want this season. Rybarczyk said they want to finish the season undefeated in conference heading into the playoffs.
"Conference championship," Parpet said. "We've got two conference games left. Proviso next week, and Willowbrook Week 9. We've got to finish the season undefeated in conference."