Ambre, Grayslake North ready to go against Willowbrook

Grayslake North quarterback Hunter Ambre wasn't sure what to expect Friday night.

First, he missed most of his junior year after suffering a high-ankle break. Then, in the Knights' intrasquad scrimmages this season, he didn't do well.

"I threw more interceptions in those games than I did my entire freshman and sophomore years," Ambre said. "I'll admit I was nervous out there."

Ambre showed no such nerves in his first varsity start at quarterback, as he led the host Knights to a 27-12 opening-night victory over Willowbrook in a nonconference football game.

Ambre completed 9 of 17 passes for 175 yards and 1 touchdown. He also was intercepted once.

"The front line did a great job tonight," Ambre said.

Ambre's defensive teammates shined too, allowing Willowbrook only 47 yards in the second half.

"We knew that we would have young kids on defense," Knights coach Steve Wood said. "However, they are coachable and want to learn."

Sophomore safety Adam George led the Grayslake North defense with 3 interceptions, including a 40-yard touchdown return.

Willowbrook's Jack Jesson scored on a 4-yard plunge to give the Warriors a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. But Grayslake North then scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter. Ambre threw a 40-yard strike to Cole West and three plays later, George intercepted his first pass of the game and returned it for a 40-yard touchdown.

Late in the first half, Knights running back Griffin Gawenda took a handoff and raced up the middle for a 23-yard touchdown. Grayslake North led 21-6 at the end of the first half.

Danny Perez kicked field goals of 21 and 37 yards in the second half.

Grayslake North senior running back Dami Oladunmoye did not play, as he continues to heal from a sprained ankle.