Crystal Lake South turns out the lights on Huntley
No, Austin Rogers didn’t sell popcorn at halftime.
But the senior, playing in his last high school football game, did everything else.
Responsible for all 4 of Crystal Lake South’s touchdowns, Rogers ran for 2 touchdowns, threw for another and caught a touchdown pass to lead the Gators to a 27-7 win over Huntley in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division play at South’s Ken Bruhn Field Friday night.
South, which was eliminated from playoff consideration last week, finished 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the FVC Valley. Huntley, which will also miss the playoffs, also finished 4-5 and 2-4 in conference action.
The game was delayed twice for a total of 45 minutes because the lights went out on the Huntley sidelines. The last 8:38 was played with only 3 of the 4 light standards functioning.
But none of the distractions derailed Rogers. The senior ran 14 times for 105 yards and had TD runs of 21 and 24 yards. Throwing the football, Rogers completed 10-of-17 passes for 97 yards which included a 14 yard TD score to Eric Landis. Playing split end, Rogers caught 3 passes for 53 yards which included a 21 yard TD pass from Payton Minogue.
“We are all very disappointed after losing last week which eliminated us from the playoffs,” said Rogers. “But the seniors on the team wanted to end our careers on a good note. It was an awesome way to end. It was a lot of fun tonight.’’
South coach Chuck Ahsmann praised his senior quarterback and his senior class.
“It has been a long time since the ninth game of the season was our last game,” said the fourth-year coach. “There is no next week this year. Austin played a great game. What a great way for him and our seniors to go out. We played with a lot of pride and heart.”
The Gators also got a great game from senior Eric Landis, who rushed 9 times for 38 yards and caught 5 passes for 53 yards and a score. He also completed a pass for 19 yards to Rogers.
It was a tough night for the Red Raiders, who were eliminated from the playoffs.
The lone bright spot for Huntley was a 45-yard TD run by Mitch Kawell with 7:24 left in the game.
“We were out physicalled,” said Huntley coach John Hart. “We are disappointed with the loss.”