Antioch puts up 55 in shutout of Grayslake Central

Since Antioch has already clinched a playoff berth, let's briefly examine what makes the Sequoits so good this year.

The offense is explosive both through the air and on the ground. Their defense is very opportunistic and can make game-deciding plays at any moment.

Yes, the running clock clicked to open play in the second half at Grayslake Central. Antioch coach Brian Glashagel could rest his starters in the second half and even his bench put on one in the end zone.

Antioch (6-0, 4-0) was never threatened and breezed over the Rams, 55-0 in a Northern Lake County Conference game Friday night.

Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis ran for one score and threw for two more. Running back Nick Wiley ran for 3 touchdowns. It was 49-0 at halftime.

Both players gave credit to their team's defense. Both Ethan Holmes and Ben Wilson picked off passes on Central's first two possessions of the contest.

"I thought our offense played good tonight, Kaliakmanis said. "But our defense pitched a shutout."

"We also have a great offensive line which makes it easier," Wiley said.

Wiley and his quarterback took time to compliment the Rams.

"They played the whole game,'' Wiley added.

"Central has a great program here,'' Kaliakmanis said.

The Rams did get a strong performance from punter, Andy Rubio.

Antioch opened the scoring six plays into the game. Sophomore back Gavin Calabrese first caught a short pass from Kaliakmanis and then galloped 24 yards for the game's first touchdown.

Kaliakmanis took the first pick for the second score. First he darted 13 yards and his 21-yard TD run made it quickly 14-0.

"It was nice to get some other guys into the game tonight,'' Glashagel said.

The second pick set the Sequoits up in great field position. Wiley carried the last three times and his 2-yard plunge made it 21-0.

It was 28-0 after one quarter. Kaliakmanis found TreShawn Watson open for an 8-yard scoring play.

Kaliakmanis (6-for-9, 110 yards) took to the air in the second quarter. His younger brother, Dino, snared a 21-yard scoring play. His next toss went to Zach Grindley and that was good for 41 yards setting up the short plunge by Wiley.

Again both sides substituted in the second half. Kyle Bukowy galloped 15 yards for the game's final score.