Shorthanded Dundee-Crown returns to action

Dundee-Crown coach Mike Steinhaus knows there will be better days ahead.

After not playing last week because of COVID-19 issues, D-C opened the Fox Valley Conference season at Crystal Lake Central Friday night.

The host Tigers overpowered the short-handed Chargers 47-0 to move to 2-0 on the season. D-C was missing 18 players.

"We had only 1 DB (defensive back) that had ever played," said Steinhaus. "I was proud that we played hard. We have to chop wood every week and get better. We got tired in the second half. We need to take this game as a learning experience."

The Tigers dominated the Chargers in every facet of the game. Central compiled 16 first downs and 345 yards of total offense,

Central junior quarterback Colton Madura completed 13-of-19 passes for 165 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Madura tossed 3 TD passes to senior tight end Connor Bartesch. Bartesch snared TD passes of 21, 25 and 4 yards. The senior grabbed 5 passes for 79 yards.

"It is nice to have a 6-4 target to throw to," said Madura. "We ran the ball more last week against (Crystal Lake) South. Tonight, we moved more to the pass."

Central also ran the ball for 153 yards led by Brent Biltek (14 carries for 63 yards). Jake Coss had 8 carries for 54 yards including a 1-yard score.

"We made progress with the passing game tonight," said Central coach Jon McLaughlin. "Colton has a good repoire with his receivers. It was a good overall offensive game. Our offensive line did a good job with protection."

Like their offensive counterparts, the Tigers defense excelled. Defensive back Bill Martin, who didn't play in Week 1 because of a hamstring injury, intercepted a pass in the third quarter and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.

"With Bill, we had more pieces on defense," said McLaughlin. "He made a great play on the interception."

The Tigers intercepted D-C quarterback Bryan Ward 3 times. Martin, Gavin Boos and Jacob Carnrite each picked off a pass.

Anthony Aguilar caught 3 passes for the Chargers for 25 yards while Jaylin Reese led D-C in rushing with 30 yards on 16 carries.

"We need to make more plays and play like our hair is on fire," said Steinhaus. "We will get back to work tomorrow and try to get better."