On a weekend where Mother Nature had its way, Gregory Day took over Saturday when it mattered most for Eisenhower.
The junior wide receiver/defensive back caught a 50-yard touchdown pass that allowed the Cardinals to run off some clock in the fourth quarter against undefeated Shepard.
Day also delivered the clinching interception on the final defensive stand as Eisenhower sprung a 20-14 South Suburban Red upset on the district rival Astros.
The game was originally scheduled for Friday night, but was moved to Saturday morning. The field was not in ideal shape either, putting in doubt whether the homecoming game for Eisenhower (3-2, 2-1) would even be played at home.
Afterward, however, Day didn’t dwell on the elements. He talked about his two-way ability and how comfortable he felt against Shepard (4-1, 2-1).
“I feel good playing both sides of the ball,” Day said. “I do it for my team. I put everything I got out there on the field, in practice and in the game.”
While Day made plays on offense and made the play of the game on defense, the main offensive catalysts for the Cardinals were quarterback Daniel McLaurin and wide receiver Roosevelt Smith.
McLaurin finished with three touchdowns and Smith caught both of McLaurin’s TD passes.
Both Smith and McLaurin spoke about their chemistry together.
“It’s amazing,” McLaurin said. “In my eyes, I’ve got one of the best receivers in the conference who’s very athletic and got great length where I can put it up there for him to get.”
“Me and Danny have been doing this since sophomore year,” Smith said. “With this game being our last homecoming, we had to get one. I wanted three, but it wasn’t my decision.”
Eisenhower coach Sheamus Murphy was ecstatic about the win. He praised his coaching staff and the effort of his players.
“It’s been a crazy 24 hours,” Murphy said. “We didn’t know when we were going to play, we didn’t know where we were going to play, but we rode the roller coaster. I could not be more proud of my coaching staff.
“Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera did a great job — had a great game plan. I’m so proud of the kids. They fought their butts off, and we got a big one (Saturday).”
The game wasn’t just important for Eisenhower due to the rivalry or the record. It also was the seniors’ last homecoming.
McLaurin and Smith described their feelings about playing in this type of game on their home field.
“It was a great experience,” McLaurin said. “I could cry.”
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“It was fun,” Smith said. “I left it all on the field for four years.”
John Romando is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.