Lake Zurich lives up to its billing against Antioch
Truth in advertising is a refreshing change.
For Lake Zurich’s homecoming, many businesses in town were painted in blue and white with the slogan, “The Bears are relentless.”
Those Bears stayed true to their word as they displayed both relentlessness and efficiency at Mel Eide Field on Friday night in front of fans and alumni by rolling past visiting Antioch 49-7 in a North Suburban Conference crossover matchup.
Lake Zurich, which improved to 6-0, ran 16 plays in the first half, tallying the first 42 points and over 250 yards of offense. Running back Zane Lodico (62 yards rushing) raced in from 19 yards out for the Bears’ first touchdown. Fellow running back Ben Klett (54 yards rushing) added a pair of dashes to the end zone, from 41 and 14 yards.
Bears signal-caller Noah Allgood scored on an 8-yard scamper and also hooked up with receiver Brent Sweetwood on a 26 yard touchdown strike over the top of the Antioch secondary.
“We came out strong,” said Allgood. “Just like we wanted to. It was our homecoming and it was nice. Just looking forward to next week.”
Nick Tsiapas actually led the Bears in rushing with a game-high 148 yards on 14 carries, including a 61-yard touchdown, despite being listed as a receiver on the roster.
“They have been working me in the slot position and at tailback all year,” said Tsiapas who praised the offensive line. “The holes were enormous all day.”
The 42 point lead caused a rare early running clock with over five minutes remaining in the first half.
“The referees asked the coaches if we were OK with a running clock, and all of us were fine with that,” said Antioch coach Brian Glashagel.
Despite being in a huge hole at the half, Antioch (2-4 overall) came out on their next offensive series and drove 89 yards on four plays. Backup running back Zachery Rundle rumbled for 69 yards, leading to receiver Jacob Lanahan scoring on a 14-yard end around two plays later.
“We told the guys at halftime, keep your heads up,” said Glashagel. “How are you going to finish? How are you going to test yourself? Besides wins and losses, it’s about getting better and where we want to be. Our guys played great in the second half.”
The Bears honored former defensive line coach and teacher Joe Kedzior before the game. He was a coach and teacher at Lake Zurich for some 40 years before retiring from coaching last year.
“I remember the Thursday night dinners he had with us,” said Allgood. “He was such a big part of the program. He was so great to Lake Zurich and he deserves it.”
As far as coach Glashagel and Antioch are concerned, they feel that they a playoff run is still a possibility.
“We definitely will have enough playoff points,” sad Glashagel. “But that will not mean anything if we do not win next week against Wauconda.”