A rally thriller for Bulldogs
It really looked like Wheaton North was going to win at Batavia on Friday night.
The Falcons led by 10 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Mark Forcucci is a three-year starter, one of many experienced players for coach Joe Wardynski.
But there just seems to be some magic sprinkled on the Batavia football program the last several years, especially at home.
The Bulldogs, now ranked No. 13, found a way. Jalen Buckley ripped off a huge 83-yard touchdown run, and everything changed. By the time overtime hit, all the momentum was with the hosts, who pulled out a 23-20 win.
‘‘When we get those big plays, after that we really sell out on both sides of the ball,” Buckley said. “We find the energy that we need to bring at the beginning of the game. It’s a big part of our team.”
Sidelined
Kaleb Brown had the game against Loyola circled on his calendar, and he wasn’t afraid to mention it in the preseason.
“Loyola,” Brown said. “I want to beat them. I haven’t done that in high school, so I want to accomplish that.”
The Ohio State recruit won’t get the chance now. He’s still on the shelf after picking up a leg injury in Week 1 against Mount Carmel.
Brown found himself wandering the Mustangs’ sideline Saturday in Wilmette. He posed for some pictures and watched his teammates lose without him. St. Rita managed just 25 rushing yards in the game, about one medium-sized Brown run.
St. Rita’s major goal is a state championship, and that’s still possible. Brown said he’s hoping to be back Week 6 against Nazareth or Week 7 against Marian Central.
Get to know the Storm
It’s probably safe to assume that most fans don’t know much about South Elgin. This is only the school’s 16th year. The Storm have advanced to the playoffs six times, a very respectable start. But things are ramping up.
South Elgin was 9-2 in 2019 and undefeated in the spring season. Dragan Teonic’s squad is 3-0, making it 24-4 in his four years in charge. The Storm have knocked off St. Viator (48-7), East Aurora (58-0) and Glenbard South (35-7).
Running back Mason Montgomery had 12 carries for 204 yards Friday against Glenbard South, and sophomore quarterback Jake Sullivan had 24 carries for 126 yards. The Storm run a triple-option offense.
South Elgin’s remaining games are against Larkin, Glenbard East, Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett and West Chicago. There’s a real chance the team could head into the playoffs as a fairly unknown unbeaten Class 8A team.
South suburban clashes
The Catholic League matchups will get most of the hype this
week. Top-ranked Loyola is at No. 3 Brother Rice, and No. 6 Mount Carmel is at No. 4 Marist. All four teams are unbeaten.
But there are two fun games in the south suburbs Friday, as well. No. 20 Lockport is at No. 19 Homewood-Flossmoor. The Vikings are a young team with a new coach, but a road win by the Porters definitely would open some eyes.
The Joliet area will be hyped for Providence at Joliet Catholic. The Hilltoppers are undefeated and ranked fifth. They enter as heavy favorites, but this one could wind up close. The Celtics knocked off Fenwick in Week 3.