Cervantes, Buffalo Grove prevail against Niles W.

Buffalo Grove made quite a statement in its season opener against visiting Niles West.

The Bison dug themselves out of a hole on three separate occasions, including on their final possession when senior quarterback Trey Cervantes completed a shovel pass to junior Eddie Walker for a 2-yard score with 9.4 seconds remaining, lifting BG to a thrilling 45-41 victory at Grant Blaney Stadium.

"We talk about character everyday and this win is validation," said Buffalo Grove coach Mike DiMatteo of the Bison's 14-play game winning drive. "It was a really big win for our program."

Cervantes played a huge role in the victory. The senior who missed a chunk of last season with a broken arm, showed he was 100-percent healthy on Friday.

Cervantes completed 31 passes on 43 attempts for 278, including 4 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 seniors also scored on a 8 yard run in pushing the Bison attack.

"It felt great," said Cervantes. "It was a back-and-forth game, but we're going to stay in the fight no matter what."

Cervantes found senior Nolan Fortman for a 10-yard gain on fourth down to start the game winning drive, junior Chase Marsh had a couple big runs, and Walker sealed the drive with his 2-yard catch.

"If he (Cervantes) stays healthy he is going to be very, very good," said DiMatteo of his senior quarterback. "He makes things happen, he's got that intangible."

Junior wide receiver Jimmy Trieb also made things happen, with 11 receptions for 169 yards and 2 scores.

"It's huge for the team, we're hoping to break the cycle and make it to the playoffs," said Trieb, who had back-to-back 27 yard receptions in setting up Cervantes' 8-yard score after the Bison fell behind 29-23 in the third quarter. "I just was taking what the defense gave us."

Junior quarterback Johnny Pabst (17-for-26) passed for 3 touchdowns and also had two rushing scores, giving Niles West a huge lift. Pabst's 5-yard scoring toss to Matthew Galanopoulos ( 8 catches, 95 yards) with 3:26 remaining gave the Wolves a 41-37 advantage.

But junior Matt Conley, who had a number of big returns, gave the Bison a big lift by return the ensuing kick off 30 yards and setting up Cervantes and company for a memorable finish.

"Going into that drive we knew we had it," added Cervantes.