Crystal Lake South 15, Glenbard North 13

For more than three quarters of Friday's football game, Glenbard North's offense couldn't get anything against the Crystal Lake South defense.

But just then the Panthers found a glimmer of hope when quarterback Evan Watkins scrambled for a 20-yard touchdown to cut the Gators lead to 15-6.

After their joyful celebration the Panthers quickly learned that their celebration penalized them 15 yards, which led to a costly extra-point miss.

After the Gators' three-and-out on the next series, Glenbard North held the ball for more than four minutes until Tyler Doll reached the end zone for a 14-yard score.

The Panthers closed to just 2 points. But the Gators recovered Glenbard North's onside kick and ended the late rally for a 15-13 Crystal Lake South victory.

Coach Jim Stuglis thanked his players after the game but knew it was a tough win against a team that almost came back and stole a victory.

"They are a very good football team, Stuglis said. "They got size, speed and power. We wanted a challenge, and we took it and unfortunately almost blew it. But they're a good football team. I am very proud of how the kids stay together."

Crystal Lake South's Ian Ormseth, who held on to the ball at the very end, only threw for only 42 yards but thanked the line for a great job all game.

It was that line that allowed running back Colin Masterson to rush for 103 yards. His rushing was important, but it was his reception of an Ormseth pass for 23 yards that give the Gators the winning touchdown.

"With are line playing smashmouth, we just had to hold on to the ball," Ormseth said.

Tyler Doll ran for 119 yards for the Panthers. The Panthers' defense was sharp, only giving up 15 points, which to coach Ryan Wilkens was great effort by his team.

"We held them to 15 points, we moved the ball pretty well on this team. We stayed composed, and our defense played well," Wilkens said.

-- Steve Nichols