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BERWYN – Dean Zigulich is every coach's dream.
Riverside Brookfield football coach Brendan Curtin didn't hesitate in heaping praise on versatile playmaker.
"He's always going 100 miles an hour and he never seems to tire," Curtin said. "He seems to thrive in those situations where he's asked to do a lot."
The all-purpose Bulldogs' senior star offered his own rationale.
"I love nail-biters," Zigulich said.
Zigulich recorded 13 receptions for 137 yards and scored all three Bulldogs' touchdowns as RB secured the season-opening 19-18 victory against Morton on Aug. 28.
Zigulich also participated in the game's decisive defensive play as the Bulldogs' interior defense smothered Mustangs' fullback Darin Gipson on a 2-point conversion attempt with 1:18 remaining that secured the victory.
Zigulich scored on touchdown passing plays of four, 12 and 13 yards from Bulldogs' senior quarterback Ryan Swift (18-for-26, 138 yards). Every scoring play illustrated his special talents.
After a Zachary Witken blocked punt set up the Bulldogs inside the 5-yard line on the opening possession, Zigulich pulled in a four-yard quick slant for the 6-0 Bulldogs' lead.
He ended the first half in dramatic style. He caught a ball in traffic and broke two tackles for a 12-yard touchdown with .02 remaining on the clock for a 12-6 lead at the break. The score culminated a superb 14-play, 75-yard drive that included Swift's crucial 15-yard scramble on third down.
"I saw the opening and I just knew I had to truck it," Zigulich said. "I knew there wasn't much time left."
He showed toughness going over the middle, with sure hands and clean routes.
"I think in my three years [on the varsity], this is the game with the most excitement," Zigulich said.
He punctuated the game-winning fourth quarter drive by selling a beautiful fake on a fourth-and-one as running back Al'lon Carter swept right and connected with Zigulich on a pivotal 43-yard halfback option.
On the final touchdown, lined up on the left edge against single coverage, Zigulich drove his defender off the ball and then made a terrific comeback in reaching over the cornerback to account for the winning score.
"We practice it many times," he said. "Swift just threw the ball up and I went and got it."
The victory was not his alone. Linebacker Sam Falk recorded a key late game interception and edge rusher Michael Wilson delivered a key sack. Swift was great when he improvised, making plays with both his feet and arm.
"Dean and I have been together for years, and we've always put in extra work and it is really paying off," Swift said.
The Bulldogs (1-0) started out on the right foot.
"We certainly got the result we were striving for, but there's a lot for us to work on," Curtin said.
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Week 2 outlook
Who: Riverside Brookfield at Wauconda
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday
Where: 555 N. Main St., Wauconda
2014 records: RB 1-0, Wauconda 0-1
Outlook: RB picked up a close win in its opener while Wauconda dropped a heartbreaker against Richmond-Burton. Wauconda, also Bulldogs, were stoned at the 1-yard-line while driving for a late trying touchdown in a 28-21 loss.