Angel Maldonado rushed for a career-high 313 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries to lead Leyden to a 26-0 West Suburban Gold victory over host Addison Trail on Friday night.
Maldonado, who became the school’s all-time leading rusher two weeks ago, has 1,996 yards on 259 carries this season.
He had TD runs of 59, 45, 11 and 29-yard runs on Friday as the Eagles finished the regular season 7-2 overall and second in the conference behind Downers Grove South. It is only the third time in school history the Eagles have finished 7-2; the two previous times were 1998 and 1977.
“We didn’t play that well in the first half and at halftime coach made some adjustments with our blocking,” Maldonado said. “The line played great in the second half.”
The Eagles led 6-0 at halftime.
Leyden senior quarterback David Rose missed the game because of an injury suffered against Lyons. Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said he wasn't sure if Rose will be back for the first week of the playoffs.
Backup QB Joe DiFronzo made his first varsity start, but all he had to do was hand off the ball to Maldonado.
“I found out on Saturday morning that David was out and I would start,” DiFronzo said. “We kept the plays simple. It wasn’t difficult giving the ball to Angel.”
Addison Trail finished 3-6 overall, 3-3 in the conference
October 23, 2009 BY DAN CURRIER dcurrier@pioneerlocal.com