Defense lifts Cary-Grove past Crystal Lake S.
Crystal Lake South gained 250 yards.
The Gators marched inside the Cary-Grove 20-yard line three times.
In the end, the Trojans bend-but-don’t-break defense didn’t allow a touchdown and Cary-Grove produced enough offense for a 17-3 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division win at South’s Ken Bruhn Field Friday night.
“The defense was absolutely outstanding,” said Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg. “Our defense did a great job of containing them and we did a great job of flying to the ball. “
The Trojans’ defense was on display early. On a third-and 7 from the South 22, Austin Rogers’ pass was intercepted by Kasey Fields at the Gator 26.
“The interception happened because of great pressure up front,” said Fields. “Our defense really flew to the ball. “
The Trojans (3-0, 1-0) needed just 4 plays to reach pay dirt as the drive ended on a 1-yard run by Quinn Baker. The extra point kick by Garrett Glueck gave the Trojans a 7-0 lead with 9:21 left in the first quarter.
Cary-Grove, keyed by a 42-yard run from Ryan Mahoney, grabbed a 14-0 lead when Baker scampered 3 yards for a score with 9:18 left in the first half. Glueck’s extra point afforded the Trojans a 14-point cushion.
The Gator defense stiffened and didn’t allow another Trojan touchdown the rest of the game.
The Gators (1-2, 0-1), who trailed 14-0 at halftime, finally got on the scoreboard with 3:26 left in the third quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Casey Oliver.
After stopping Cary-Grove on the next drive on 3 plays, the Gators threatened to cut the Trojan margin to less than a touchdown.
Moving the ball 72 yards on 13 plays, the Gators were faced with a fourth-and-6 at the Cary-Grove 17. Rogers’ pass sailed over the head of senior wide receiver Eric Schiller and the Trojans took over on downs with 7:24 left in the game.
“Our problem tonight was that we didn’t finish,” said Crystal Lake South coach Chuck Ahsmann. “We had some good drives but we couldn’t get in the end zone. “
The Trojans tacked on insurance points when Joey Scott nailed a 32-yard field goal with 4:20 left in the game.
Mahoney, who gained 63 yards on 7 carries left the game with 8:23 left in the third quarter with an ankle injury. The senior was scheduled for X-rays after the game.