Lockport’s six-game winning streak coincides with senior safety/receiver Colton Benaitis returning after missing the first four weeks with a broken collarbone.
That’s not a coincidence. Benaitis, a Central Michigan recruit, sets the tone for the Porters.
“I bring the energy when I play,” Benaitis said. “Every practice is like a game. We bring the energy — we scream. We take that into games. I try to get everyone going.
“I want to provide that energy, communication and leadership.”
Benaitis brought the intensity Lockport needed Saturday night. He came through a key interception and was a consistent defensive force as the visiting Porters held on for a 21-14 victory over Sandburg in a Class 8A first-round playoff game in Orland Park.
AJ Garcia grabbed a game-sealing interception in the final minutes for Lockport (7-3). Brendan Mecher completed 8 of 16 passes for 117 yards — including a 49-yard TD pass to Khairi Sias — and ran for 80 yards and another TD.
Sias’ big play gave the Porters a 21-7 lead in the fourth quarter.
“It was a great opportunity and I took advantage, made a big play and got the touchdown,” Sias said. “It felt amazing. I was waiting for it all game.”
After defeating one Southwest Valley Blue rival in Sandburg, the Porters will take on another when they host Homewood-Flossmoor (6-4) in the second round.
Sean Ruisz threw a 31-yard TD pass to Lucas Matykiewicz for the Eagles (7-3), while Quinn Durkin ran for a 21-yard TD. Ugnius Zaukas added two sacks.
Benaitis, meanwhile, was playing with the Midwest BOOM at a 7-on-7 tournament in Florida this summer when he made a tackle and fell awkwardly, breaking his collarbone.
Watching the Porters go 1-3 without him was agonizing.
“I was on the sideline and they had to hold me back from running on the field,” Benaitis said. “It was horrible. I was itching.”
Benaitis made his impact felt late in the first half Saturday. With the Porters down 7-3, he came through with a big interception and returned it 30 yards down to Sandburg’s 7-yard line.
It eventually led to a field goal and got the Porters some momentum. Lockport coach George Czart wasn’t surprised to see Benaitis jump-start the team.
“He makes a big difference,” Czart said. “We’re undefeated with him on the field. He plays offense, defense, special teams. He could be our long snapper if we needed him. He can do it all.”
It was Garcia, Benaitis’ teammate in the secondary, who iced the game with his interception on fourth down after Sandburg got down to the Lockport 44 with just over a minute left.
“I knew I had help on the side from Colton, so I could just stay on my outside boundary, read the quarterback and see what he was doing,” Garcia said. “I kind of just found the hole, he threw it there and I was there to make the play.”
Garcia confirmed that Benaitis’ presence allows him to play more freely and confidently.
“It’s his heart and his dedication,” Garcia said. “He’s not scared to go out there and hit someone twice his size. He’s out there just making plays every day. He’s a great leader. I love playing with him. I don’t want it to end.
“He’s not just the best safety in the state. He’s the best in the nation.”
A couple years ago, though, Benaitis would have expected to be getting that type of lofty praise for his play in baseball. After his sophomore year, he decided to shift his focus to football.
“I always wanted to play baseball,” Benaitis said. “Sophomore year, it all changed. I don’t know what changed but something did. Back then, I think I probably had a better chance to make it in baseball.
“But I knew I could work for it and do whatever I put my mind to.”