Senior running back Kyle Clayton, who transferred from Phillips, expected to be a big part of the offense in his first season with St. Rita.

Clayton, though, did not envision getting the ball 28 times in one game, as he did in Friday’s 34-0 win over St. Patrick.

Clayton’s role expanded in a big way after Ohio State-bound receiver/running back Kaleb Brown was injured in the first quarter of the opener against Mount Carmel. Brown has not yet returned to action.

“That was something no one had calculated for,” Clayton said. “So it was like, ‘Man, what happened?’ There are so many things we want to accomplish as a team, so that just motivated us to work even harder.

“I knew I had to step up. I knew the team needed me, and I was excited for the opportunity.”

Clayton has given St. Rita (3-2) a huge lift with 518 yards and five touchdowns on 113 carries. He has topped 100 yards three times.

St. Rita has leaned on him heavily with over 20 carries in four of the five games, the only exception being a 37-7 loss to Loyola when the Mustangs, after trailing early, were forced to throw.

“There’s no doubt Kyle has answered the bell,” St. Rita coach Todd Kuska said. “Losing Kaleb definitely forced us to put more on his shoulders and he’s responded.

“Going into our second game in Kentucky, we kind of revamped our offense to slow it down and make it easier for us. He put us on our back and took us there.

“He’s been able to carry the load for us. He’s been our workhorse. He still wants the ball. Every time I take him out and ask if he’s OK, he just wants to go back in.”

Clayton said he considered going to St. Rita to start high school. He’s happy to be a Mustang.

“Phillips was an excellent experience and shaped me into the man I am today,” he said. “I’m just thankful to be here now.

“I’ve never been on a team with a

group of guys where everyone is willing to put it all on the line like this team is. I’m thankful to be a part of that, for sure.”

Clayton has followed in the footsteps of his father Shawn, who played football in college at Howard.

“My dad was a running back too, so I’m thankful to follow in his path,” Clayton said. “Growing up, I loved football because it’s the ultimate team game.

“We definitely play as a team at St. Rita. My offensive line does a great job opening up holes for me. I’ll go to war with those guys anytime.”

Bouncing back: Homewood-Flossmoor bounced back from a 22-0 loss to Lockport on Sept. 17 with a 33-7 road win Friday over Bradley-Bourbonnais.

“I think you almost need the adversity to have something to respond to,” H-F coach Terrell Alexander said. “We knew we’d have to work for everything we get this year. That’s proved to be true, but our guys aren’t going to shy away from that work.”

Alexander credited the junior class, including quarterback Cameron Oglesby, for stepping up for the Vikings (4-1), who are preparing for a big two-week stretch against Bolingbrook and Lincoln-Way East.

One down, four to go: Entering the season with big expectations after winning the South Suburban Red in the spring, Shepard dug a huge hole by starting 0-4.

The Astros needed five straight victories to qualify for the playoffs. Step 1 was a 27-0 win over Eisenhower.

“Our guys aren’t giving up,” Shepard coach John Rone said. “We believe we’re good enough to win these games.”

Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.