Patriots Gold 83 falls short in home opener

A strong defensive effort by South Elgin came up just short Sunday as the Patriots Gold 83 team dropped its home opener to Bartlett 13-12.

Zachary Meade and Carlos Avila each recorded sacks and six different Patriots had tackles for loss. Bartlett recorded 149 yards of total offense, but 54 of those yards came on one play in the first half.

The Patriots jumped out to a 6-0 lead on the game's first drive when Brett Phillips scampered in from 28 yards. After the Raiders answered late in the first quarter to give Bartlett a 7-6 advantage, South Elgin stormed back with a quick two-play scoring drive.

Elijah Earl scooted through the middle for a 29-yard burst and Ryne Campana followed on the next play with a 16-yard touchdown run. The Patriots carried a 12-7 lead into halftime, but used a 57-yard scoring drive to open the second half.

The defenses held things in check for the rest of the game. South Elgin appeared to have taken the lead midway through the fourth quarter, but a touchdown run was called back by a penalty.

"We were one play away against a good team, and our defense really stood tall today," said Patriots Gold 83 Coach Regan Earl. "The boys continue to get better each week, which should keep us competitive in the BGYFL."

Alex Calo, Isaiah Gomez, Meade, Avila, Earl and Campana were each credited with tackles for loss for the Patriots.

South Elgin (0-1-1) travels to Elmhurst to take on the Eagles (1-1) Sunday, Sept. 14.