IHSA football scores | Morton linebacker also training to become an MMA fighter

Gideon Snyder (36) and the Morton Potters celebrate a play against Pekin in the second half of their Week 5 high school football game Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Morton. The Dragons edged the Potters 27-24.

MORTON — Gideon Snyder is training for mixed martial arts. But the player teammates nicknamed Jean-Claude Van Damme saw his Morton team submit to a ground-and-pound attack from Pekin.

The Dragons came in and sent workhorse running back Ty Jackson and 260-pound fullback Landon Erxleben and others to 57 rushes for 276 yards and three touchdowns and hang on for a 27-24 Mid-Illini Conference win Friday at Carper Field.

Morton (1-4, 1-2) was up for the battle but ran out of time, scoring a touchdown with 3.7 seconds left in a bid for a comeback. A handful of clutch plays proved to be the difference.

“They were overloading, trying to run it right up the gut at us,” Snyder said. “A stop here, a break there, this was a very winnable game for us.”

Training for a shot in MMA

Snyder is a 6-foot, 180-pound outside linebacker and tight end in his final prep season. He is also considering a shot at mixed martial arts.

“I have no idea when I might fight,” the 18-year-old said. “I’m still in training, still new to it. I was training in the summer, before football, at Peoria Athletic Club. I’m in a class for it there, and when they think I’m ready they’ll try to find a fight for me.”

Imagine his parents dealing with not only having a son playing football, but also perhaps fighting in MMA.

Week 5 coverage: All the scores | Highlights and recap | Top performers

“My mom doesn’t love it,” Snyder said, grinning. “She’s OK with (MMA) as long as she doesn’t have to watch. I like it. It’s you against another man, head to head, fighting. You’re in there alone. I watch other fighters, Conor McGregor is my favorite, I love his style.”

Snyder’s…

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Author : Journal Star

Publish date : 2024-09-28 06:27:59

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