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Antioch comes back to down Lakes

There have been countless times that Antioch has found ways to win over the last several years. But Friday night might have been one of the better ones, especially in a District 117 rivalry against Lakes.

It was a 99-yard drive in the final five minutes led by Sequoits' backup quarterback AJ Kutcher that scored the game-winning touchdown. as Antioch prevailed 10-7 over host Lakes in a Northern Lake County Conference game. The Sequoits (7-1, 6-0) extended their conference winning streak to 27 games and they also clinched the NLCC title.

"We have had a lot of games with (Lakes). I'm glad we're on top and I don't know how good it is for my health," Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. "A game like that, the playoff game and the last time we were here. I'm surprised and shocked like everybody else."

The winning drive took 16 plays. Kutcher found an opening into the end zone on a 5-yard quarterback keeper with 22.6 seconds let in the game. It also was on a fourth-and-goal play.

"It was everybody, the offensive line blocked, our wide receivers ran some great routes, running blocks blocked, it was everybody," Kutcher said. "The last play was designed for a pass, but nobody was open. I saw daylight and I tried to take it. I was scared all right but afterwards I was very excited."

Even on the final drive, the Sequoits were forced to come up with third and fourth down conversions. Wide receiver Dino Kaliakmanis (4 catches, 85 yards) made a couple of important receptions keeping the drive alive.

"I thought (Kutcher) played a phenomenal game back there and stepped up," Kaliakmanis said. "This really was different without Athan (Kaliakmanis) back there, but with all the adjustments we made all week in practice - it's going very well for us."

Lakes (5-3, 4-2) had its opportunity to take the game in its favor before the long winning drive. Jack Lochner connected a halfback option pass with Brandon Nava for 30 yards down to the Antioch 10-yard line. Then the Eagles on the next four plays tried to get in the end zone, but the Sequoits' defense held their own ground and stopped them short of the goal line.

"It's the way things have gone over the last couple of years and it's no surprise," Lakes coach Jordan Eder said. "We're right there and this was like a playoff game. Still, proud of the guys playing in the biggest game all year. They responded to the environment and the challenge. We just have to stay positive, we played a tough team with or without Athan. They are a good football team. I thought we did some good things and we just have to learn from a couple things and clean up a couple drives and take it."

Lakes' defense set up the Eagles' only score on the night when Daniel Altmeyer picked up a fumble and carried it 47 yards to the Sequoits' 1-yard line in the opening quarter. Romie Johnson carried it into the end zone on the next play.

Aidan Weir kicked a 28-yard field goal that made the score 7-3 with 3:36 left in the third quarter.

"It was a great high school football game," Glashagel said. "I don't expect anything less from (Lakes).".

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