Suchecki, Meadows follow through against Buffalo Grove
Rolling Meadows absorbed Buffalo Grove’s best shot early on, but it was Mustangs quarterback Bobby Suchecki who delivered the knockout punch.
The senior hooked up with Alex Niecikowski on a 57-yard strike to give the Mustangs a 40-14 lead on their opening drive of the second half.
The host Mustangs(7-2, 4-1) went on to defeat the Bison 47-28 for a three-way split of the Mid-Suburban League East title. Wins by Elk Grove and Hersey also on Friday night make for co-champs, with the Mustangs being declared the conference representative for the playoff pairings.
“After all we have been through this season this win means a lot,” Suchecki said. “We had some tough losses and some tough injuries, but for us to be conference champs is huge not only for the team but everyone associated with the school and team.”
While the Mustangs were playing for a share of the conference title and playoff seeding, the Bison did not have anything to play for except the possible role of spoilers. BG held its own early as an 88-yard kickoff return by Mike Klecznski kept the Bison within 14-20 early in the second.
“When you are building a program you are looking for those little things,” Bison coach Mike DiMatteo said of his team coming out fighting. “Last year we weren’t in any close games … we have come a long way and we are going to continue working.”
Trey Cervantes led the Bison with 188 yards through the air and a team-high of 90 yards on the ground.
Kevin Moreno gave the Mustangs a little breathing room heading into the locker room. The senior back scored on runs of 30 and 1 yards to give Rolling Meadows a 34-14 lead at halftime.
The scores were Moreno’s second and third of the game as he finished with a game-high 106 yards on just 12 totes.
“Kevin has been a real workhorse for us,” Mustangs coach Matt Mishler said. “He has done everything asked of him all season.”
Suchecki carved up the Bison defense to the tune of 268 yards through the air. He completed 21 of his 26 passes on the game and recorded three scores. The only way of stopping the Mustangs signal-caller on this night was Mishler. After the 57-yard strike to Niecikowski, Suchecki was removed from the game.
“Their passing game is tough to stop,” DiMatteo said of Suchecki. “He has a very quick release and he executes the passing game very, very well.”
Suchecki teamed up with Niecikowski six times for 136 yards and Romello Boykin seven times for 125 yards.
Boykin was filling in for regular starting wideout Matt Campbell and produced the highlight of the night as he gave up his body on a full extension diving catch down the right sidelines for a 39-yard gain in the first half.
The Mustangs will play the waiting game now to see who they draw for the first-round of the IHSA playoffs.
“It’s been an up and down ride for these guys this season and I couldn’t be more proud,” Mishler said. “I haven’t watched it much (playoff predictions) but I doubt we draw a home game, but you never know.
“We are going to enjoy this and watch it (pairings show) Saturday night with the boys.”
Said Suchecki, “We just have to keep our foot on the gas pedal and come out strong next week against whoever we get.”