Dan McCullough hasn’t played quarterback since his sophomore season.
McCullough, however, has made a smooth transition from linebacker to quarterback as a senior, helping Tinley Park to a 2-0 record.
The Titans took down Rich South 49-8 to start the season and followed that up with a 21-0 win over St. Ignatius.
“I’ve been very, very satisfied and impressed by Dan’s play,” Tinley Park coach Nick Johnston said. “He’s stayed poised in the pocket, and when he’s had to, he’s made some plays on his feet.”
McCullough passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns on Friday against St. Ignatius.
His transition has been made smoother by having four returning starters on the offensive line in Luke Kirby, Ryan Stevenson, Noah Furlough and Adam Simon, not to mention a bruising running back in Lamont Brooks and a big-play receiver in Maurice Robinson.
“The O-line has been great,” Johnston said. “They haven’t allowed any sacks and they’re coming off the ball really nice. Lamont has been great. He rushed for almost 250 yards against Rich South. Maurice is dangerous. Team have to keep an eye on him.”
The Titan defense, led by linebacker Eric Schultz, has been equally stellar.
Add it all up and it’s no wonder the Titans consider themselves a contender for the South Suburban Blue.
“We’re not looking too far ahead,” Schultz said. “We’re taking it game by game. But we think the sky is the limit.”
Marist bounces back: Marist coach Pat Dunne generally has been pleased with the way his team performed two weeks into the season, although he stressed there definitely is room for improvement.
“Our defense has played really well,” Dunne said. “They created three turnovers against Mount Carmel. (Quarterback) Brendan Skalitzky is off to a good start, running and throwing the ball efficiently. (Running back) Darshon (McCullough) has done a great job. But without a doubt, our best football is head of us.”
Dunne also highlighted the quality play of linebacker Micah Awodiran, cornerback Taylor Weaver and defensive lineman John Carmody.
After splitting their first two games, falling 21-14 to Mount Carmel in Week 1 before bouncing back to beat DuSable 56-0, the RedHawks begin East Suburban Catholic Conference play Friday vs. St. Viator.
Marist dropped a critical 35-28 decision last season to the Lions. That loss ultimately prevented the RedHawks, who finished 4-5, from qualifying for the playoffs.
Dunne admitted there’s a little added emphasis to his team staying focused Friday.
“We have to get off to a fast start,” Dunne said. “There’s a major emphasis for us to get off to a quick start every week. But we fell behind early last year and struggled to play catch-up. Our seniors remember that.”
H-F makes key adjustments: After watching Stevenson quarterback Jack Sorenson punish his defense in the first half Friday, Homewood-Flossmoor coach Craig Buzea and his staff were forced to make adjustments over the final 24 minutes.
Sorenson had chalked up 186 all-purpose yards, including 106 passing in the first half and was the main reason the Patriots were able to stay within striking distance at intermission, trailing 29-22.
“We had to do something,” Buzea said with a laugh. “We looked like we didn’t have any idea in the first half. We changed some things up. He’s a heck of an athlete. But we did a much better job in the second half.”
H-F won the Class 8A state championship rematch 43-29, holding Stevenson to one TD in the second half.
Twitter: @disabato
FOOTBALL TOP 10
Records through Sunday
1.Homewood-Flossmoor 2-0 (1)
2.Mount Carmel 2-0 (2)
3.Joliet Catholic 2-0 (3)
4.Brother Rice 2-0 (4)
5.Lincoln-Way East 1-1 (6)
6.Lincoln-Way North 2-0 (10)
7.Lemont 2-0 (8)
8.Lincoln-Way West 2-0 (9)
9.Crete-Monee 1-1 (5)
10.Oak Forest 2-0 (NR)
Player of the Week: Herbert Hughes, of Stagg, is this week’s Daily Southtown Football Player of the Week. Hughes, a junior running back, rushed for 343 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Chargers to a 42-16 victory over Andrew.