Bulls Prep’s young defense grows up in win against Lincoln Park

Bulls Prep coach Michael Willis says his defensive backfield has been shaky this season. His team has leaned on an experienced line that competed in a Class 5A state playoff game last season.

The young defense is starting to grow up. Juniors Tyran Jenkins and Ezran Johnson both returned interceptions for touchdowns in Bulls Prep’s 30-10 win against Lincoln Park on Thursday at Lane Stadium.

“I zoned out after I caught it and then celebrated with my teammates on the sidelines,” Jenkins said.

Lincoln Park (3-3, 1-2 Red Shield) led 7-6 after Stephen Akwfo connected with Anthony Jennings for an 11-yard touchdown just before halftime.

Bulls Prep’s defense dominated the second half. The Lions finished with just 46 rushing yards and 73 passing yards.

“We have a lot of seniors and some good leadership,” Willis said. “They understand they need to lift their brothers up and be positive.”

Quarterback Zylin Lewis scored on an 11-yard run with 8:23 left in the third quarter to put Bulls Prep ahead for good.

“It was just me following my linemen,” Lewis said. “My brothers set up the play for me. I knew that we had to get the score to win the game and bring it back home to the West Side for our families.”

Bulls Prep completed just two passes in the game, so Lincoln Park knew what was coming. But running back Eric Henderson put in the hard yards for the Bulls (3-3, 2-1). He had 19 carries for 99 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

“Even if the first defender is there, I have to break a tackle and make more yards,” Henderson said. “My mindset was really to see the end zone as much as I can and depend on my blockers. I knew we were winning after the first pick. I knew the energy was going to be so high.”

Bulls Prep won at Roxana in Week 3 and lost 7-6 at Shepard in Week 2. They face Young next week.

“Our goal was to limit our mistakes,” Willis said. “They came out in the second half and did that. They came out and finished.”