Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

Chicago – It was an intense matchup when Sullivan high school (2-0) faced Phoenix Military Academy (1-1) on Thursday, September 4, at Knute Rockne Stadium.

Midway through the first quarter, Sullivan’s junior quarterback Logan Rivera took the snap, dropped back into the pocket, and delivered a 35-yard pass to Payton Pope along the sideline. Two plays later, Rivera ran it in from the 1-yard line for the Tigers’ first score.

In the second quarter, Rivera used his legs again with help from his offensive line. With the ball placed inches from the end zone, he punched it in for his second rushing touchdown.

With roughly a minute left in the half, Phoenix needed some momentum. Unfortunately for the Firebirds, Rivera, playing cornerback, picked off a pass and returned it 43 yards for a pick-six.

Halftime: Sullivan 20, Phoenix Military Academy 0.

The third quarter remained scoreless. But just three plays into the fourth, Rivera made another big play on defense, scooping up a fumble and returning it 34 yards for his fourth touchdown of the game.

After some tough, physical drives, the Firebirds were finally able to put points on the board in the fourth quarter. Travis Conner powered into the end zone after a strong series of runs in the red zone.

The final scoring play came when Rivera pitched the ball to Lawrence Benson. Benson cut to his right, found a wide-open lane, and followed a key block from his receiver to complete a 51-yard touchdown run for the WCCN Play of the Game.

FINAL: Sullivan 34, Phoenix Military Academy 8.

The WCCN Player of the Game was junior quarterback and cornerback Logan Rivera, who accounted for four touchdowns. Two came on the ground, one on an interception return, and one on a fumble recovery. He also threw for 125 yards, rushed for 87 and he had two turnovers.

Another standout player for Sullivan was senior running back Lawrence Benson, who had 7 carries for 122 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.

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