High school football: Morton sparked by defense in first win of season

BERWYN – It took three tough losses and an extra day to wait thanks to bad weather, but Morton football finally got its first win.

The Mustangs beat Proviso East 35-0 on Sept. 19 after the game was pushed back a day because of heavy rain and lightning the night before. The win came after Morton started 0-3 with all three of those games coming against teams that currently are 4-0.

“We needed it,” Morton coach Bob Organ said. “We started off kind of slow offensively [against Proviso East]. Defensively we were all over the place. We forced six turnovers and held them to 150 yards of total offense.”

Senior linebacker Darin Gipson is leading the charge for Morton this season and had a huge game on both sides of the ball. He had 12 tackles, two interceptions and three sacks as part of the Mustangs’ dominant defensive performance. He also found the end zone twice as the team’s fullback, scoring on a run and a 12-yard reception.

Gipson is a big reason why the Mustangs look improved on the field this fall. His big season has drawn the attention of Division I programs Northern Illinois and Iowa State. He is a late bloomer in recruiting terms, but Gipson has been on varsity since his sophomore year and Organ said he bought into the program right away, lifting weights year-round since he was a freshman.

“We haven’t had that type of player since I’ve been here,” Organ said of the team captain. “He never wants to come out. He’s a leader on and off the field. Everything you want in a player.”

In addition to Gipson, sophomore running back Greg Hoard also is having a big season. He added 113 yards and two touchdowns against the Pirates to his season total. Hoard is up to 619 yards in four games.

After finally getting a win, Morton will try to keep the momentum going at Downers Grove South. DGS also started 0-3 after a grueling schedule that featured Homewood-Flossmoor, Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. South got its first win by beating defending West Suburban Gold champ Addison Trail 37-21 in Week 4.

“They’re going to be tough,” Organ said. “They’re a high level program that’s been consistent over the years.”

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Week 5 matchup

Who: Morton at Downers Grove South

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25

Where: 1436 Norfolk St., Downers Grove

Records: Morton 1-3 (1-0 West Suburban Gold), DGS 1-3 (1-1 WSG)

Outlook: The battle of the Mustangs will pit two teams with similar starts against one another. Both teams faced tough schedules and fell to 0-3 before rebounding with wins this past week. DGS has struggled defensively, but has three good running options with Jonathan Caudell-Dotson, Tyree Johnson and quarterback Riley Heavey.