‘X’ marks Swanstrom’s spot
AMBOY – The eye-black ‘X’s” drawn on each side of Cory Swanstrom’s face were creased from his wide grin and nearly covered by dried mud.
They still marked the spot. Or in this case the person.
A hero almost always pops up in a big game like the one at Amboy High School on Friday between the undefeated Clippers and equally unblemished Morrison Mustangs.
Sense would assume that stat-monsters like Josh Vos or Cody Richardson were destined for that role.
While both had their moments, the hero “X” was on Swanstrom’s face, his back, it even glimmered in his eyes after Morrison’s 35-6 win.
The designation started for the Morrison senior tight end and linebacker at the end of the Clippers first drive. He came around end on fourth down and blocked Tayler Doege’s punt attempt.
Morrison took over on the 18 and scored six plays later.
“I didn’t even get touched and I just laid out to try and get it,” Swanstrom said. “It felt great to make a big play.”
Morrison coach Cory Bielema was glad to see Swanstrom get his chance to shine.
“You knew in a game like that somebody would have to step up other than the usual guys,” Bielema said. “I am really glad it was Cory. He’s been an unsung hero for us all season and he basically worked his way into being a two-way player for us.”
Swanstrom’s day didn’t end with a punt block. Right before half, he broke free down field while quarterback Andrew Cook bought time in the pocket.
Cook unloaded and Swanstrom made the catch at the 5-yard-line.
“That’s not usually the kind of pass that goes to me,” Swanstrom said. “Andrew did a great job of making some moves and he saw me down the field and threw it up.”
The pair connected again after another punt block in the third quarter. This time on a 20-yard TD.
The play started the rout, which now puts the Big Rivers conference “X” firmly on Morrison’s back.
“It’s a huge win that puts right there for conference championship,” Swanstrom said. “We knew that was on the line, but we haven’t won it yet. We have Bureau Valley next and they’ll be looking for a win to keep their chance.”
