Football Friday Week 2 and we are jam packed full of games, six of them to be precise so let’s get right to the action.
Two recent state champions were in town this week, let’s start with Lincoln Way East at Naperville Central as the host Redhawks look to find the end zone for the first time this season.
The 2017 8A state champs are no stranger to the end zone, especially not this guy, AJ Henning the Michigan commit hauls in the touchdown in traffic, 7-0 Griffins.
Central down 17-3 in the third quarter, when QB Sam Jackson leads an excellent drive, capped off by a touchdown pass to sophomore Reggie Fleurima. Redhawks down just 17-10.
But too much Lincoln Way offense and too much Devin Williams, the dynamic back breaks free for a 60 yard touchdown run to put the game away. Over 280 yards for Williams as Naperville Central falls to 0-2 on the young season.
2017 7A state champion Batavia on the North side of Naperville taking on the Huskies, both teams in search of win number one.
North punting deep in its own territory when Matthew Mashmeir pulls the fake punt and makes a nifty run to move the chains for the Huskies.
But the Bulldogs tough on both sides of the ball, Quinn Urwiler with three touchdowns in the game as Batavia wins by a score of 35 to 7. Huskies 0-2 for the 2nd year in a row.
Neuqua Valley in search of a 2-0 start for the first time since 2016, on the road against a tough Stevenson squad.
The Wildcats get to work quickly as Mark Gronowski hits receiver Sean Larkin for the 24 yard touchdown pass, 7-0 NV.
Late in the third, Neuqua on top 21-14, but the Patriots have another answer as QB Justin Hiller takes the option in from 6 yards out. We’re tied up at 21 apiece.
But Armani Moreno with a monster game as he gives NV the lead once again in the 4th. The Wildcat defense holds on to the lead late as Neuqua picks up a huge 28-21 road victory before next week’s home opener against East St Louis.
Metea Valley on the road to face former Dupage Valley Conference rival Lake Park, who was shut out by Dekalb last week. Mustangs turn to sophomore Logan Frederick to handle quarterback duties in his first varsity contest.
The Lancers seize control early in this one as Jordon Colon runs for two of his three touchdowns in the first seven minutes of the game. 14-0 Lake Park.
Despite the early season struggles, the Metea offense gets a touchdown of 75 yards or more for a 2nd straight week. It’s CJ Wilcox again, taking the catch in stride from Logan Frederick as MV trails 21-6 in the 2nd.
Lake Park adds two more touchdowns, but the Mustangs add another touchdown pass from Frederick to Jaylen Johnson. But it would not be enough as the Lancers win 35-12 as the Mustangs are 0-2.
Waubonsie Valley with the longest road trip of the night, heading up north to face Libertyville. Warriors look to stay perfect on the young season as Bryce Logan returns to the lineup after offseason ACL surgery.
After trailing early in the game, WV quarterback Ethan Nelson lays out a beautiful pass to Sean Clinton, Warriors take a 14-6 lead.
Near the end of the first half and sophomore running back Antonio Torres, continues his strong start to the year, powering his way in to the end zone from 9 yards out. 20-6 Waubonise at the half.
A great night for the Warrior offense as Ethan Nelson throws his third touchdown of the game, as Antonio Torres finds pay dirt for the third time in the game. WV rolls to a 2-0 record with a 40-20 road win.
Benet Academy opens its home schedule with a visitor from the Quad cities as a 1-0 Moline squad takes on the Redwings.
Benet up 7-6 in the 2nd quarter, Colin Gillespie with a run off the right tackle into the endzone for his 2nd touchdown of the game, but Gillespie smashes his nose into a Maroon defender and is forced to leave for the rest of the game.
Moline down 21-13 late in the 3rd, Aboubacar Barry breaks loose for a 33 yard touchdown run. Barry with over 150 yards in the game, Moline down 21-19 heading to the 4th.
Michael O’Connor enters the game for the injured Gillespie and he delivers through the air and on the ground, making a nice long pass to Jacob Snell and rushing for two touchdowns of his own as Benet holds on for a 28-19 victory.
The CCL/ESCC Orange division standings remain the same as a week ago, with Benet, De La Salle, and St. Laurence all moving to 2-0 on the year. Strange to see Nazareth in last place, but it is still very early.
Redwings open up their new conference next Friday night with a home matchup with St. Ignatius. Nazareth hosts Fenwick, while St. Laurence travels to Joliet Catholic to face the 2018 5A state champions.
The DVC standings also remain exactly the same with Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley and Dekalb all off to a perfect start. Naperville North, Naperville Central and Metea Valley all 0-2 to start the season for a 2nd consecutive year.
Next week is a crazy out of state travel week with both 203 schools heading out to Ohio, while Waubonsie Valley goes down to Kentucky to face Trinity. So we will only have three highlights for you next Friday night with Neuqua Valley hosting perennial power East St. Louis, Metea Valley traveling down to Belleville East and Benet hosting St. Ignatius.
You can find previous Football Friday episodes here!
