Jacobs handles McHenry, now the wait begins
The equation was simple.
Win and wait.
Jacobs took care of the winning part and became playoff eligible with an impressive 50-25 win over McHenry in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division action at McHenry's McCracken Field Friday night.
The Golden Eagles, 5-4 overall and 2-3 in conference, must now wait and see if they have enough points to qualify for the IHSA playoffs. The Golden Eagles, who snapped a 3-game losing streak, should be in with 39 points, but will have to play the Saturday waiting game to be sure.
"It has been a tough three weeks for the kids," said Jacobs coach Bill Mitz. "McHenry came at us with everything tonight. They had nothing to lose. I am very proud of the kids. Hopefully, we can get in the playoffs. It is a whole new season. Everybody starts 0-0."
Jacobs, hoping for a fifth straight appearance in the playoffs under Mitz, displayed a good balance on offense with 351 yards rushing on 36 carries to go along with 138 yards passing for 489 yards of total offense.
Josh Walker, who has enjoyed a stellar senior season, ran for 212 yards on 17 carries and scored on TD runs of 44 and 6 yards.
"It has been a tough three weeks for us," said Walker. "We just wanted to stay up and win tonight and get in the playoffs."
Mat Barnes complimented Walker with 106 yards on 16 attempts and he had a touchdown run of 12 yards.
"We used a lot of 3-back sets tonight and Mat really ran hard," said Mitz. "We used a lot of old-style offense tonight and pounded the ball on the ground."
The Golden Eagles were also able to utilize a solid passing game with sophomore Chris Katrenick completing 10-of-13 passes for 138 yards and 3 TD passes to Camden McLain of 32, 26 and 15 yards.
"Chris is getting better every game," said McLain. "He throws an easy ball to catch and we got a lot of yards on play action because we ran the ball so well. After losing three in a row we had a fire in our belly to come out and win and get in the playoffs."
Leading McHenry (3-6, 1-4) 29-22 at halftime, the Golden Eagles busted the game open in the third quarter by outscoring the Warriors 14-3. A 26-yard pass from Katrenick to McLain and a 12-yard TD run by Barnes gave Jacobs a 43-25 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Scott Marunde's 30-yard field goal in the third quarter was the Warriors' only score in the second half.