Jacobs racks up the points on Grayslake N.
The Jacobs offense was solid enough in opening the 2011 season with wins over Joliet West and Johnsburg. But, Friday night in Algonquin the Golden Eagles’ offensive powder keg exploded.
Scoring 55 points in the first half, Jacobs improved to 3-0 overall by pummeling Grayslake North 62-21 in Fox Valley Conference crossover action.
Amassing 541 total yards, the Golden Eagles totaled 496 yards by intermission. Jacobs had 379 yards on the ground as the Golden Eagles’ dynamic senior duo of Kyle Wright and Caz Zyks combined for 282 yards rushing with 5 touchdowns. Zyks toted the pigskin 11 times for 177 yards and scored on runs of 57 and 38 yards while Wright had 14 carries for 105 yards and TD runs of 18, 3 and 8. Zyks and Wright are 3-year starters.
“We really came out ready to play,” said Zyks. “Our focus in practice was excellent and it showed in the game. The offensive line opened some huge holes and we didn’t have many mental mistakes.”
Quarterback Jason Judson also had a big night for the Eagles, who picked up 30 first downs in the game. The third-year starter completed 7-of-12 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tight end Henry Gigeous caught a 4-yard touchdown pass while Jake Gierlak grabbed 3 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown catch of 66 yards.
“It was a great team victory,” said Jacobs coach Bill Mitz. “Being 3-0, I am very proud of the kids. Caz and Kyle really ran the ball well and Jason threw the ball well. I am very happy with the offense. The line really blocked well and protected Jason well. We had some breakdowns on defense and special teams we need to address.”
The Jacobs defense forced 6 Grayslake North turnovers — 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions.
Greg Sidor recovered 2 fumbles while Brandon Vincent and Vijay Radhakrishnan had 1 each. Hunter Williams and Ryan Ulmer picked off passes for the winners.
The Knights, who did amass 313 yards of total offense, lost the ball on turnovers 4 times inside the Jacobs 30-yard line. Grayslake North, which didn’t punt in the game, was whistled for 6 penalties for 73 yards.
The highlight of the night for the Knights was am 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Andrew Soulis with 8:21 left in the third quarter.