Dundee-Crown 49, Streamwood 14
Only one week removed from his father's death, Dundee-Crown running back Matt Cutinello entered Friday night's game against visiting Streamwood with a lot of emotion. With his father on his mind, Cutinello rushed for 118 yards and scored 3 touchdowns, helping the Chargers defeat the Sabres 49-14 in the nonconference affair at the D-C Bowl.
"I had a lot of stuff going on this past week with the passing of my father," Cutinello said. "But when it came time for me to carry the ball I just did it for my dad. I could feel the spirit of his athleticism pushing me as I approached the end zone."
Streamwood struggled to hold onto the ball early on in the game, and it would prove costly in the first quarter. On the Sabres' first play from scrimmage, they fumbled and Dundee-Crown (1-1) recovered.
Not even a minute later, the Chargers took the lead as Cutinello ran the ball into the end zone from 11 yards out.
Streamwood would then turn the ball over again on its third possession when Tommy Newman picked off a Noel Rivera pass. Already up 14-0, the Chargers would score their third touchdown of the quarter when Logan Kissack connected with Newman for a 13-yard pass.
"I thought our defense did a heck of job out there tonight," Chargers' coach Mike Davis said. "They made big plays when they needed to and just overall played well. I told the linemen that if they dominated the line tonight we would win. They did just that and we won."
Also having a great game was Dundee-Crown running back Ian Salvatini. He rushed for 119-yards and had 3 touchdowns. With Salvatini and Cutinello carrying the ball for the Chargers, D-C feels it has a pretty legitimate rushing attack.
"They both really compliment each other with the two different styles of running," Davis said. "With Cutinello having more of an attacking mentality and Salvatini being a bit smaller and quicker, its nice to have the ability to change the pace."
Streamwood's touchdowns came towards the end of each half. With 4:51 remaining in the second quarter, the Sabres (0-2) broke the shut out on a 13-yard pass from Gabe Roman to Kevin Wohlhart. The second score came with 1:18 left in the game off of a 40-yard punt return from Tem Esikeil. It was the only Charger punt of the game.