BG bands together, turns back Meadows

With less than 1:30 left in the final quarter, Rolling Meadows' chances took their biggest hit of the night when Buffalo Grove linebacker Charlie Walker's quarterback sack left the Mustangs with fourth-and-16 at their own 2-yard line.

After an incomplete pass moments later, the Bison were able to chalk up a heartfelt and emotional 16-13 victory in the Mid-Suburban League East, keeping their playoff hopes well within reach.

“The kids had more important things on their minds this week than the playoffs, said BG football coach Jim Farrell referring the passing of Craig Damisch, the father of senior two-way lineman Joe Damisch. “They were more about being good teammates and supporting each other.

Joe Damisch, moving into the center spot Friday night, did a superb job with his fellow linemen springing holes for quarterback Rich Zirngibl (144 yards rushing, 76 passing) who threw a 29-yard TD pass to Jeff Zabrin and ran for a 29-yard TD for the Bison (4-3, 2-1).

“It's been a tough week with the loss of Joe's dad, Farrell said. “What a performance by Joe (who even ran a fake punt 6 yards for a first down in the first quarter). We had to move him to center (he's normally a left tackle) and he hit every snap out of the shotgun and he played both sides of the ball.

With Damisch, Joe Conley, Alex Festenstein, Keith Jones, Trevor Chandler, Tommy Sakkos, Kevin Tennenbaum and fullback Kalvin Booker helping pave the way, Zirngibl went around left end for a 29-yard TD and 7-0 lead on BG's first possession.

Taking advantage of Joe Kropp's fumble recovery on a Meadows' punt, the Mustangs got the ball at the BG 19-yard line and needed just two plays to score. Sophomore quarterback Jack Milas threw a 17-yard TD screen pass up the middle to Garrett Peterson making it 7-6.

Brian Akialis's 45-yard field goal with 0.07 seconds left in the first half extended BG's lead to 10-6.

“Brian is instrumental to our special teams, Farrell said. “He's an athlete.

Peterson exploded for a 73-yard TD run with 7:04 left in the third quarter and Mike Crigel's' kick put Meadows ahead 13-10.

Zabrin's punt return to start the fourth quarter gave BG the ball at the Bison 47 and nine plays later, Zirngibl hooked up with Zabrin on a 29-yard TD strike down the sideline for the 16-13 lead.

“Coach called the play, said Zirngibl, who was quite elusive on numerous quarterback draws up the middle. “There was just one spot to put it and Jeff went up and got it. He made a nice play.

“Jeff played big tonight, Farrell said. “He did a great job covering their tall receiver.

Peterson finished with 2 touchdowns and 123 yards on 16 carries for Meadows (3-4, 1-2) which was slowed by some key injuries.

Linebacker Colin Buscarini, making an impact all night, ended up injuring his meniscus again, according to Doug Millsaps.

The Meadows coach also said that junior lineman John Garcia suffered a shoulder injury and Milas a possible broken thumb which sidelined him for Meadows' final possession.

“We ran out of bodies and we didn't play well offensively, Millsaps added. “We had terrible field position much of the game and that didn't help our defense.

Sean Connor also had a fumble recovery for Meadows.

Although the Bison defense didn't collect any turnovers, it came up with bigs stops when needed.

Walker's big sack at the end was the icing on the cake.

“That's just another senior role player, Farrell said. “Every time we need a big play he comes 100 miles per hour off the ends and makes it for us.

Even Bison not on the field were key contributors.

Senior quarterback Mike Garrity is still out with a concussion.

“He's day-by-day, Farrell said. “He is doing a great job mentoring Rich. It's tough when one of your best players has to be sidelined for four straight games. But he is so instrumental in what Rich is doing.

“He's a huge part of me, Zirngibl said. “He is supporting me 100 percent and I really appreciate that.