Experienced, stronger Juel Pryor sparks Lindblom past South Shore

Lindblom quarterback Juel Pryor “throws a beautiful ball,” according to his coach, Tyrice Jackson.

“This is his third season as the starter, and he is probably the best thrower in the city,” Jackson said.

Pryor’s strong arm and experienced decision-making were on display in the Eagles’ 28-6 victory against South Shore on Thursday at Eckersall Stadium.

Pryor says his offseason training program, adding weight and muscle, is the key to actually displaying that beautiful ball.

“I needed to grow my body to be able to take hits,” Pryor said. “[My trainer] helped me build my body over the offseason.”

Lindblom (2-0) won just two games last season and three in Pryor’s first year on varsity. The Eagles returned 11 starters this season and 40 players overall.

“The last couple of years we have been young,” Jackson said. “We’ve had leads and lost them late. Now we have skill, and we are mature seniors and juniors. We should be able to run the ball and throw the ball on just about anybody and put teams away.”

Pryor connected with fellow senior Gavin Tillman on a 26-yard TD to open the scoring. Lindblom led 28-0 until South Shore’s Zhyare Harris scored on a 16-yard run halfway through the fourth quarter.

“[Pryor and I] have been working since the start of freshman year, practicing with each other and building chemistry,” Tillman said. “Not only me and him but all of the receivers.”

Pryor was 12 of 16 passing for 103 yards. He also had eight carries for 53 yards and a touchdown.

“This year has been a step up,” Pryor said. “Everyone has been working and giving 100 percent. Even practices have been wild; it’s been great.”

Tillman had six catches for 56 yards and hauled in an interception in the third quarter. Senior running back/defensive end Jonathan Cole had 11 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. Cole also contributed a sack.

“We have a good defensive line and the secondary is experienced,” Jackson said. “The defense is coming along. The offense is probably going to lead us, but we have just as much talent on defense and a lot of those kids are young. Hopefully they get better as the season goes along and we can be fully balanced.”

Senior Stephen Edwards had six carries for 68 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“We are looking to go very far in the playoffs,” Tillman said. “The mentality has been good. Everyone is coming in every day ready to work and making sure to bring intensity to all the games.”

South Shore (1-1) was a state playoff qualifier in Class 4A last season and lost to Metamora in the first round. Justin Wilford took over as the Tars coach in the spring.

“This was one of those where we beat ourselves,” Wilford said. “It was unfortunate and Lindblom took advantage of it and came out and made plays.

The Tars rushed for 57 yards and completed 3 of 15 passes for 72 yards. South Shore was totally run-focused over the past several years, but that is changing under Wilford.

“We are trying something different,” Wilford said. “Trying to get with the times and score some points and be one of those high-scoring offenses. Today just wasn’t our day.”