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Burlington Central rallies past Dundee-Crown

Brian Melvin couldn't hide his emotion.

The Burlington Central coach's emotional display came after his Rockets won their first Fox Valley Conference game 15-9 over Dundee-Crown Friday night at the D-C Bowl in Carpentersville.

"This is a special, special win," said the emotional Rocket leader. "This is an unbelievable win for these kids. All the negative talk these kids have heard since we learned we were going to the Fox Valley and to come out and win the first game. Everyone doubted us. We came together and our sophomores were outstanding and played huge. The seniors did a great job of leading us. What a great win for our program."

Trailing 9-7 midway through the fourth quarter, the Rockets (0-1, 0-1) scored on a 10-yard run by quarterback Mark Ganziano. The 2-point conversion was successful on a run by Gavin Sarvis and with 6:22 remaining Central held a 15-9 advantage.

"It was a busted play," said Melvin. "But, Mark did a great job of improvising and we got the touchdown. The offensive line did a great job of adjusting their blocks. Everything worked out."

On the ensuing drive, the Chargers marched to the Burlington 23-yard line with 2:33 remaining in the contest. On fourth-and-7, Evan Echlin's pass was broken up Central safety Jake Lenschow in the end zone.

Central racked up 2 first downs and ran out the clock and celebrated its first FVC win.

Playing in his first varsity game, sophomore back Gavin Sarvis was outstanding amassing 125 yards on 17 carries including a 14-yard touchdown run with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

"I was very nervous before the game but I knew we had a lot to prove," said Sarvis. "The blocking was outstanding. They were opening huge holes. This is a great win. I am really happy for the seniors. We have been through a lot. Everybody doubted us that we couldn't win in the Fox Valley."

Melvin was impressed with the poise of the sophomore running back.

"Gavin just ran hard all night and did a great job," said the Central coach. "He has earned the right to play on the varsity. He didn't play like a sophomore tonight."

The Rockets defense was superb in the second half, holding the Chargers to 50 total yards and 5 first downs in shutting out the home team for the final 24 minutes.

"We made some adjustments at halftime and our defense was tremendous," said Melvin. "We made the big plays when we had to."

The Chargers scored all their points in the first half on a 39-yard field goal by Christian Alamillo and a 1-yard run by senior quarterback by Evan Echlin.

"Evan hasn't played quarterback since freshman year because of injuries," said D-C coach Mike Steinhaus. "I think he will be fine and have a good year. We weren't disciplined and penalties and turnovers hurt us."

  Dundee-Crown's Justin Prusko runs the ball against Burlington Central during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Burlington Central's Nathan Arians carries the ball against Dundee-Crown during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Dundee-Crown's Amairie Jones carries the ball against Burlington Central during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Dundee-Crown's Amairie Jones carries the ball against Burlington Central during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Then ball falls just past the fingertips of Dundee-Crown's Yael Campos as Burlington Central's Nathan Arians provides coverage during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Dundee-Crown's quarterback Evan Echlin runs the ball against Burlington Central during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
  Burlington Central's Gavin Sarvis runs the ball against Dundee-Crown during varsity football at Carpentersville Friday night. Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
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