Neuqua Valley depth prevails

By now everyone is well aware of just what a threat Isaiah Robertson is with the football in his hands.

Saturday night at Wheaton Warrenville South, the host Tigers learned just how dangerous some of the Neuqua Valley standout's teammates are as well.

The banged-up Tigers (1-3, 1-3) actually contained Robertson for the most part, but the same could not be said for junior wide out Owen Piche and senior tight end Brett Borske, who each had big nights as the Wildcats prevailed 28-14 in the first battle between the DuPage Valley Conference schools.

Piche hauled in touchdown passes of 35 and 9 yards from Jack Stankhoven as the visitors took a 13-0 lead at the half. Borske, meanwhile, had four grabs for 113 yards, including a 40-yard catch down to the one that set up a 1-yard scoring run by Nick Osikowicz.

"It was designed to be like a short pop pass like I had earlier, but it wasn't there so I just kept running and we bombed the defense. I just kept running under it. I just tried to get under that ball," said the 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end. "It's been fun. We have a lot of weapons."

Piche, like Robertson, is developing into a multi-threat player, providing a spark on defense, as well as running, throwing and passing for the Wildcats, who at 3-1 overall and 3-1 in the DVC own a share of first place in the DVC.

He opened the scoring Saturday by catching a pass over the middle, taking a hard hit but staying on his feet, and breaking off a 35-yard catch and run score down the right side line. His 9-yard TD catch on third down gave the Wildcats a 13-0 lead with 9:53 left in the first half.

"Today was our breakout game," said Piche, who had 4 catches for 70 yards and the two scores. "It's been a lot of Isaiah in some of the games, but we've got a lot of (receiver) depth and we spread it around some today."

Neuqua Valley took advantage of a fumbled punt and a bad snap that resulted in a safety to help notch the win at Wheaton Warrenville South. Coach Bill Ellinghaus knew his team would be fired up about a first trip to Red Grange Field.

"Certainly after beating Waubonsie last week it would be normal to have a letdown," he said. "But that was the nice thing about this game. You come out to this field for the first time ever, there's certainly no letdown."

The Tigers, down to their third string quarterback due to injuries, struggled to mount consistent drives against a solid Wildcats defense. But running back Owen England did rush for 117 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. Reserve Zack Harris then completed both of his pass attempts for 57 yards and capped off the late drive with a 6-yard run to make the final score 28-14.

"They showed a lot of offense tonight," Tigers coach Ron Muhitch said of the Wildcats. "Their wideouts are great athletes and their tight end had a great game.

"But I like the way our kids battled. We are really hurt."