With their defense stepping up in the second half, the Huskies pulled off a much-needed win against the Lockport Township High School Porters on Friday, Sept. 27.
The Huskies (3-2) won against the Porters (3-2) by a score of 31-20.
The Huskies started off the game on a rough note with many turnovers on Lockport’s side of the field. There was little action in the first quarter, with the score ending at 0-0. The second quarter started off similarly, with the defenses getting stops left and right. Lockport scored the first touchdown of the game with little time left in the second quarter, making the score 6-0 going into the half. Junior defensive lineman Gabriel Hill (99) comments on the struggles the Huskies endured during the first half.
“It was really just us versus ourselves,” Hill said.
The Huskies came into the second half reinvigorated and ready for action. The defense started off hot with a sack by Hill and a pass deflection by senior defensive end Jackson Willams (8). This huge defensive stop by the Huskies led to a touchdown by senior quarterback Jacob Bell (2) to senior wide receiver Quinn Morris (85), making the score 7-6 Huskies with 10:17 left in the third quarter. The wind played a big factor in the second half, significantly limiting Lockport’s punts, giving the Huskies great field position for every possession. The offense built off of the defense by scoring a touchdown from Bell to junior tight end Finnian Bretag (81), making the score 14-6 with 7:30 left in the third quarter. The Huskies didn’t just end the third quarter there, however; senior kicker Tyler Duewel (29) nailed a field goal, making the score 17-6 with 1:39 left in the third quarter. Bretag comments on the offensive success in the second half.
“I gotta give it up to the o-line. Their blocking on that play and Jacob’s elusiveness through the pocket made him be able to scramble out to the pocket and get the ball to me for the touchdown,” Bretag said.
This positive momentum continued into the fourth quarter with an interception by senior defensive back Edward Mumford (33). Unfortunately, the Huskies gave the ball right back to the Porters, with Lockport getting an interception of their own. However, the Huskies quickly gained momentum again when senior DB Aiden Drendel (5) returned an interception for a touchdown, putting the Huskies up 24-6 with 8:26 left in the fourth quarter. Lockport then scored a touchdown, making the score 24-14 with 5:28 left in the fourth quarter. The Huskies would then score their last touchdown of the game with Bell throwing to senior WR Chico Thomas (82), making the score 31-14 with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lockport would then score a touchdown with 0:52 left in the fourth quarter, but they would fail to convert the 2-point conversion, leaving the final score of the game as 31-20. Head Coach Sean Drendel commented on how his players utilized their energy and surroundings.
“We had guys step up and make plays. We used the wind to our favor a little bit in the third quarter,” Sean Drendel said.
The game highlighted the defense and the team’s continuous perseverance after a tough start. The Huskies defense made huge plays that kept the team’s spirit high. Aiden Drendel comments on how his pick six meant a lot to him and the team.
“It definitely changed the momentum. It definitely changed it in a good way,” Aiden Drendel said.
The Huskies will play the Lincoln-Way West Warriors on Oct. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
