advertisement

Antioch comes up big against Lakes

Early on during a supersized football game, Antioch coach Brian Glashagel readied his "Jumbo" backfield.

In short-yardage situations, Glashagel employs star linebackers George Bessette and Ben Gutke in a full-house backfield with running back Brandon Lind.

"Ready, Jumbo," Glashagel said with the Sequoits facing a third-and-1.

"Oh, we're ready, Coach," Gutke said.

Well, what player wasn't Friday night at Antioch?

Both Lakes and Antioch were more than amped for their District 117 rivalry game, which happened to be for first place in the Northern Lake County Conference.

With a packed stadium watching, Antioch pulled out a jumbo victory, 14-7. The win kept Antioch (7-0, 5-0) perfect on the season and gave Lakes (4-3, 4-1) its first loss since Week 2.

"This is the greatest feeling in the world," said Bessette, whose beast of a game included a tackle for loss on fourth-and-goal from the 6 in the opening quarter. "I'd rather lose every other game and just beat Lakes. I mean, I've grown up with these kids. I've known them my whole life."

Lakes won its last 27 games in the old North Suburban Conference Prairie Division. Antioch was the last team to beat the Eagles in division play, 30-14 on Sept. 30, 2011. The last time Lakes was not in first place was Week 7 of that year, when the Eagles were 3-1 in the division and Antioch was 4-0. The following week, Grant beat Antioch and Lakes defeated Wauconda, forging a three-way tie for first place.

"Words can't really describe how I feel right now," said cornerback Logan Weber, whose pass breakup in the end zone in the final seconds sealed the Sequoits' win. "Beating our rival, on our home field, keeping them to such a low score ... it means a lot to us."

Quarterback Branden Gallimore's 2-yard touchdown sneak on fourth-and-1 with 4:16 left in the fourth quarter broke a 7-7 tie. But Lakes wasn't done. The Eagles marched from their own 19 to the Antioch 23. Bill Becker sacked Lakes QB Brandon Khan, and then after Antioch snuffed out a hook-and-ladder, on fourth-and-10, Weber batted away a pass in the end zone with 8 seconds left.

"Once we got past midseason, we knew the defense was playing well, but ..." Glashagel said. "We wanted to see if they were going to play well against (better competition). I think they took that on as a challenge."

A scoreless game at halftime, Antioch finally got on the board when Lind (13 carries, 62 yards) scored his 17th touchdown of the season from 3 yards out with 5:34 left in the third quarter. On the previous play, Lind snared a 39-yard reception from Gallimore.

The Sequoits took their 7-0 lead into the fourth, but then Ruiz, who had been bottled up most of the night, busted off a 60-yard TD run. He darted left and then outraced the Antioch defense down the sideline.

Ruiz finished with 112 yards rushing on 15 carries.

"You think he's going one way, and then he goes the other way," Bessette said. "One time I wrapped up his leg, but he just kicked out of it. I'd be running at him, and then he'd cut 'that' way. He's a phenomenal athlete."

Antioch manufactured a 13-play drive on the game's opening series. But aided by Robert King's 2-yard tackle for loss on third-and-4 from the 9, Lakes' defense held. Ruiz then blocked Gutke's field-goal try from 28 yards out after a high snap.

Neither team could capitalize on a second-quarter turnover, as three plays after Antioch's John Howe intercepted a pass at midfield, Lakes' J.T. Lorian recovered a fumble. Antioch threatened again in the final minute of the half. A Lakes personal foul and 17-yard burst by Lind moved the ball to the 11. Gutke's field-goal attempt, again from 28 yards out, missed wide.

Gallimore rushed for 82 yards (15 carries) and passed for 83 yards (5 of 13).

Antioch's defense limited Khan to 10-of-18 passing for just 86 yards.

"They got weapons all over the place," Glashagel said of the Eagles. "For the most part, we kept them in check."

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.