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Moore steals the show for Leyden against Addison Trail

It was an important homecoming game for host Leyden and Addison Trail as they squared off in West Suburban Gold play Friday night - so much so that the game even had a special sporting guest.

With Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor in attendance, the Golden Eagles enjoyed a 34-19 victory over the Blazers.

Following a loss to Lyons last week, Leyden coach Tom Cerasani was eager to get senior receiver Jalen Moore more involved in the offense. Cerasani succeeded, and Moore stepped up to the challenge by throwing a touchdown, rushing for another and gaining over 100 yards on kickoff returns and an interception.

"I'm going to get this checked out by the trainer, but I'll be ready to go next week," Moore said when asked about his ankle which had him limping slightly. "I played quarterback when I was a freshman. It was pretty cool to throw a touchdown."

Leyden jumped out to a quick start as they scored on back-to-back drives. The first was a pass from senior quarterback Michael Wilms to senior tailback Donovan Brown; the second was a 35-yard pass from the wildcat formation from Moore to Joshua Cubon.

Wilms and Moore were both big factors in the Eagles' win. Wilms was 10-of-16 passing for 152 yards and 2TDs along with 52 rushing yards, while Moore rushed for 97 rushing yards.

Even though Addison Trail was in a 13-0 hole, junior running back Nicholas Dambrose would not quit. The Blazers' back scored touchdowns in the first and second quarter. Dambrose (179 rushing yards) added a third touchdown late in the third quarter.

"(Leyden) had the ball the entire first quarter," said Addison Trail coach Paul Parpet. "When you give up these big passes, it's a back-breaker. Our kids fought, and they didn't give in. We have to give it everything we got for four quarters.

"We're going to have to come out swinging (next week), like we did against Willowbrook."

Leyden took a 21-12 lead into halftime as the homecoming festivities commenced.

Coming out of halftime, the Golden Eagles prepared a mixed game plan effort that resulted in a 3-yard run by Moore, and Wilms connecting with Fredrickson for a 50-yard pass. The two-score deficit for Addison Trail was too tall of an order to even the score.

The Eagles' defense had their hands full with Dambrose allowed just 18 passing yards in the entire game.

"We knew Addison Trail had some big time weapons on offense," Cerasani said. "We came out and wanted to get the ball in to the end zone (on offense) and the guys did it. Our defensive backs are probably the best I've ever coached. They gave (the Blazers) a lot of trouble getting the ball in downfield coverage.

"We responded on both sides of the ball. Now we can control our own destiny in the WSC."

Addison Trail (2-3, 1-2) next hosts Hinsdale South, while Leyden travels to Downers Grove South.

"This was a really important win," Moore said. "Now we're No. 1 in conference. Our goal is to win out. We haven't won our conference since 2012, and now is the time."

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