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By no means is Danny Carroll the biggest athlete on Lyons’ roster. The senior running back is listed at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds.
In terms of heart and toughness, however, Carroll is among the best the Lions have to offer.
In a Week 8, 24-7 victory over York in Elmhurst, Carroll had 32 carries for 163 yards and three touchdowns on runs of 3, 4 and 14 yards.
The Lions (8-0, 6-0 West Suburban Silver) clinched their first outright conference title since 1987 and snapped a six-game losing streak in the series.
“Danny’s just an exceptional running back,” Lyons coach Jon Beutjer said. “He’s very fast and he has great vision. He runs with heart and a chip on his shoulder.
“In the second half, Danny took the offense on his shoulders and he ran so hard and helped us solidify the win. He gives us everything he has.”
The Lions last won conference in 2010 when they shared the West Suburban Silver title.
“We talked to the kids about Nov. 6 of last year because that was the day we turned in our equipment,” Beutjer said. “And this year’s seniors talked about having high goals, working hard and doing something about it.
“The kids talked about us having something to prove. Our motto this year is ‘something to prove.’ The kids had that mindset. They grew up together, played youth football together and they have a special bond. They play for each other. This is just a special group and team.”
Leading 3-0 after AJ Vavrik’s 31-yard field goal at 4:40 of the first quarter, the Lions widened their advantage to 10-0 when Carroll scored on a 3-yard run off left tackle at 4:14 of the second quarter.
York (6-2, 3-2) pulled within 10-7 when Jimmy Conners picked off a deflected pass from Lyons quarterback Dominic Pisciotti and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown with 10:25 remaining in the third quarter.
Carroll’s 4-yard run off the right side made it 17-7 at 9:48 of the fourth quarter. The possession was highlighted by a 38-yard run by Carroll on first-and-28.
The final touchdown came with 5:50 to play when Carroll scored on a 14-yard run.
Pisciotti was 14-of-25 passing for 132 yards. His top targets were Mack Long (six catches, 61 yards), Travis Stamm (four catches, 53 yards) and Carroll (two catches, 14 yards).
Senior defensive back Joshua Gutierrez led the defense with an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Stamm also had an interception, while Cooper Komsthoeft and Roman Sosnovyy had fourth-quarter sacks.
“Our defense played awesome,” Beutjer said. “To hold York scoreless (on offense) is something. The kids kept everything in front of them. We’re starting to hit our stride going into the playoffs.
“Josh (Gutierrez) has been starting for us at corner since the Proviso West game (on Sept. 27). He’s not the tallest or biggest guy, but he competes and he plays hard. Josh has great instincts and a nose for the ball.”
