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Sports

Athlete of the Week: Bloom Township's Thomas Gives Team a Pick-me-up

Junior's fumble return for a touchdown is a highlight in the Blazing Trojans season-opening loss.

Trailing 21-0 in the opening game of the football season, was in need of a spark to get the wheels turning.

Jalen Thomas provided just that as he picked up a fumble forced by teammate David Eubanks at mid-field and returned it for a touchdown, much to the delight of the Blazing Trojans crowd.

"I saw David strip the ball and knew I had a chance at it," Thomas said. "So I picked it up and just ran with it."

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The play seemed to lift the Blazing Trojans. Later in the fourth quarter, quarterback LaVante Blackful found wideout Jason Mendez for the team’s second touchdown of the game.

Even though the Blazing Trojans eventually lost 28-14 to Thornwood, their coach was happy to see his team keep battling.

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"I was proud of the way we fought back," head coach Tony Palombi said. "That was a great play by Jalen to get us going."

For his efforts in the season opener, Thomas is recognized as the Chicago Heights Patch Athlete of the Week.

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