Lake Zurich stands firms, turns back Lake Forest

Every week that goes by, this stunning story writes another chapter. No, Joey Stutzman isn't a one-man team at Lake Zurich. But sometimes they treat the junior back that way.

Another talented player on the Bears is linebacker Ryan McGeever. He, too, carries the ball at times. Maybe he can explain what's going on with his teammate, Stutzman.

On a wet field on Friday night, Stutzman carried the load to the tune of 40 carries for 231 yards and 2 scores. The Bears' 24-6 win over improving Lake Forest makes next week's showdown at Lake Zurich all that more important. Stevenson is coming to town.

OK, McGeever had some thoughts on what makes this undersized player (Stutzman) go for so long.

"He's so tough," McGeever said. "He just doesn't quit. He's a wrestler."

Yes, there were more than 40 carries in this game. McGeever managed 10 carries himself for 77 yards and a touchdown.

"I haven't carried the ball since my freshman year," McGeever said.

This North Suburban Conference game began as if both teams would score plenty of points. Bears quarterback Evan Lewandowski (4-of-11 passing, 61 yards) had a quick start landing passes to Alex Miller and Robert Hinsberger. That set up Stutzman's first TD run of 5 yards.

Lake Forest (3-3) used one play to almost pull even. Lake Forest senior back Evan Swint raced 85 yards, virtually untouched to the end zone. Only a missed extra point kept the Bears up a point, 7-6.

And then both offenses slowed to crawl before halftime. Only a 25-yard field goal by Lake Zurich's Kyle Obsustz dented the scoreboard as the Lake Zurich lead hit 10-6

"There are no excuses," McGeever said. "We didn't play up to our caliber. We needed to play Lake Zurich football."

Lake Zurich football is defense and hand the ball to Stutzman.

"I still can't tell you what's going on," Stutzman said. "I still give so much credit to my line. And our coaches are so good."

McGeever's turn to carry the ball came in the second half. While Stutzman took a breather, the new back chalked up yardage against the tiring Lake Forest defense.

McGeever's 6-yard TD gave the Bears a 17-6 lead early in the fourth quarter. Stutzman finished the final drive of the night for his winning Bears.

"We came out with fire in the second half," Stutzman said. "We had phenomenal play calling. This team does not give up. I'm so determined to help this team."