Oswego running back Ammar Banire had a night to remember with 286 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns to power the Panthers past Neuqua Valley 44-22 despite a big night from Wildcat Will Kalish. This highlight is sponsored by BMO.
It’s time for another season of IHSA football! This Friday night lights showdown pits the visiting Neuqua Valley Wildcats against the home team, the Oswego Panthers. Neuqua Valley finished last season with a 3-6 record and looks to turn the ship towards calmer waters with an upset victory on the road in front of the Panthers’ packed house. Oswego looks to build off an 8A state championship loss against Mt. Carmel a season ago.
Oswego capitalizes on early turnover
The Neuqua offense is moving but faces an early fourth down. Drake Mennecke connects with Pierce Stevens on the screen to pick up the first. However, the momentum shifts sidelines as the Cats lose the football, and the Panthers recover it.
The Panthers capitalize on the Neuqua turnover as the offense marches the field with authority. Ammar Banire caps off the drive with a rushing touchdown after a nice cutback. The start of a big night for the running back as Oswego leads 7-0 in the first quarter.
The Wildcat offense looks to respond quickly as Mennecke locates receiver Will Kalish on the screen, and Kalish takes care of the rest as he secures Neuqua’s first touchdown of the 2026 season. However, the Wildcats trail 7-6 to end the first quarter after a failed PAT
Neuqua’s defense gets the ball back, and the offense faces a fourth-and-goal. They score with the quarterback sneak, but it’s called back due to a flag on the offense. The Wildcats end their drive with points with a FG from Freddie Rook, taking their first lead of the night at 9-7 with just over five minutes left in the half.
Mennecke and Kalish show a strong connection
Oswego’s offense remains composed as quarterback Drew Kleinhans locates a wide-open tight end, Ryan Wynn, who has nothing but green in front of him, securing another Panther touchdown. Oswego leads 15-7 after a successful two-point conversion.
The Wildcats don’t back down as they face a 2nd & 8; Mennecke keeps the connection to Kalish alive with a throw into traffic. Kalish makes a spectacular run after the catch and secures his second touchdown on the night. Wildcats lead 16-15 with less than 90 seconds left in the second quarter.
But the Oswego offense runs the two-minute drill successfully as Banire scores another touchdown on the half-back screen to put the Panthers ahead at halftime, 23-16.
Banire continues his career night
The Panthers and Banire pick up where they left off as he kicks off the third quarter with an incredible 93-yard touchdown. Despite appearing to be stopped multiple times, he continues to set the tone for the Panther offense as he gives his team a 30-16 lead.
Mennecke and the Wildcats keep battling. He keeps the play alive on third down to connect with Kalish for another Neuqua Valley touchdown. A hat trick for Kalish brings Neuqua within a single score, trailing 30-22 with plenty of time remaining.
Panthers put the game away
Later in the half, Banire calls the game as he slips through the Wildcat defense, who have no answer to the rushing attack. A 62-yard touchdown to put the final nail in the coffin. Oswego starts the year 1-0, defeating Neuqua Valley 44-22 after a five-score night from Banire. The Wildcats remain on the road next week, visiting Minooka next Friday night.
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